MACC should investigate allegations of rice cartel
NURATIKAH ATHILYA HASSAN
SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is urged to investigate Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) if it is involved in any mismanagement of the national rice buffer stock.
The Halal Economy Council (MEH), Dr Helmi Ibrahim said issues arose because Bernas was given the responsibility of creating a rice buffer stock, but the crisis still happened.
"They were given the responsibility of creating a rice buffer stock. So, the available stock should be able to last for six to nine months to cover the demand in the event of a crisis.
"But this crisis has just happened, so how can there suddenly be a shortage of stock (rice) in the market even though there is no emergency or war? "If it is true that there is a cartel, as said Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh besides Bernas, then it is necessary to reveal who the cartel is," he said.
Dr Akmal previously urged the government to re-establish the National Rice and Rice Board (LPN) to curb leakage issues and combat cartel activities.
He said the establishment of LPN is viewed as a solution to the current conflicting interests in the rice industry in controlling local rice supply and ensuring that no party exploits the situation when people are in distress.
