180 metric tonnes of local white rice confiscated from rice mill

ALOR SETAR - A rice mill was ordered to close after being suspected of hoarding 180 metric tonnes of local white rice in their storage warehouse.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chang Foong Hin said the operation (OP BPT) was conducted by a special task force which he led together with the police, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis).

He said during the operations 180 metric tonnes of Super Spesial Tempatan 5 (SST5) per cent or local white rice were in jumbo sacks hidden in a warehouse not stated in the licence.

“The task force acted fast by confiscating the rice which is estimated to be worth RM405,000," he said when met after leading the OP BPT Special Task Force team here on Tuesday.

Chang said the case was investigated under the Paddy and Rice Control Act 1994 (Act 522) and the Paddy and Rice Control Regulations (Rice Mills Licencing) 1996 P.U (A) 626.

“If found guilty the rice mill would be fined up to RM25,000 for the first offence and the Paddy and Rice Control director-general through a written notice can cancel or suspend the mill's licence,” he said.

Chang said a strict warning was given to all parties to obey the laws set.

“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and task force personnel would take strict action against any (individuals or companies) found going against the rules set.

“Don’t take advantage as it is time for us to band together to ensure sufficient and affordable supply for the people instead of pressuring consumers or farmers for more profit,” he said.