'Set up task force to eliminate food cartels'

SHAH ALAM - The government needs to set up a task force to focus on the elimination of cartels for all types of imported food in the country.

Independent criminologist Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim said heavy penalties should be imposed on companies or individuals orchestrating such activities.

The special team, he said, could be formed through collaboration between the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and other relevant authorities such as the Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry and the police.

"The government needs to address cartel issues seriously.

"Set up a task force, identify those involved and impose severe punishments on them.

"If left unchecked, the prices of goods will fluctuate without proper control. So, if you want to eliminate it (cartels), you have to do it seriously," he told Sinar recently.

It was reported that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry expressed readiness to conduct audits on license holders involving various aspects of the food industry, such as wholesale rice trading, export, import, rice mills, paddy purchasing, retail rice and special approvals for selling paddy seeds.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said about 39,000 individuals were involved in the food industry.

He said the situation was still under control and gradually improving, but the ministry remained prepared to launch surprise raids if reports of similar issues persisted.

Commenting further, Shahrul said the cartel issue was not new and without immediate action, it will continue to grow and persist in the market.

"Prioritise elimination of cartels government, as these entities control prices and other aspects, forcing the government to comply with their demands," he said.

Shahul also reminded the public to immediately report any hidden stock activities involving all types of food to the authorities.