THE Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s (MAFS) Rice and Padi Regulatory Division has seized 645.75 metric tonnes of subsidised rice worth RM2.1 mil through Op Taring Bravo 3 at a warehouse in Sibu, Sarawak recently.
The operation was carried out with the cooperation of the police and the Malaysian Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA) on May 15 and 16, Bernama reported.
MAFS in a statement today (May 22) said various grades of rice including imported white rice were seized during the operation at the warehouse which was found not issued with a licence under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).
“The Rice and Padi Regulatory Division has sealed the rice stock along with the related documents for further investigation under Act 522 and the Control of Padi and Rice (Licensing of Wholesalers and Retailers) Regulations 1996 P.U (A) 624,” it stated.
The government has agreed to provide a subsidy of RM950 per tonne for imported white rice from Oct 5 in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan to enable imported white rice to be obtained at a retail price of RM31 per 10-kilogramme (kg).
According to the ministry, misappropriating subsidised goods is an action that is irresponsible and brings losses to the country.
“The Rice and Padi Regulatory Division always collaborates with the enforcement agencies to curb those who try to misappropriate imported white rice in Sabah and Sarawak, including attempts to take the rice out of the country,” it stressed.
Complaints or information can be channelled through the Rice and Padi Regulatory Division Complaint Portal at https://skpb.kpkm.gov.my/adu or contact the KPB Head Office, Putrajaya at 03-88701751/1748/1183. – May 22, 2024
Main pic credit: Utusan Malaysia
