KUALA LUMPUR – Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is prepared to investigate potential cartel activities within the nation’s rice and paddy industry.
Its minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that his ministry, through the Competition Commission (MyCC), is actively open to taking necessary actions if credible evidence of cartel behaviour surfaces.
He said that while the regulatory jurisdiction over the paddy and rice industry falls under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry since the enactment of the Padi and Rice Control Act 1994, the MyCC is willing to address the issue if information is provided.
“If there are concerns raised about this alleged rice cartel, the ministry, particularly MyCC, is open to receiving information from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry or any concerned parties,” he said during a press conference in Putrajaya today.
The minister was responding to questions regarding Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim brushing aside speculation that the proposed implementation of Malaysia Madani White Rice programme would benefit cartels.
Armizan clarified that matters relating to initiatives, improvements, and the modernisation of the rice industry remain under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
“For a more detailed response on this issue, it would be appropriate for Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu to address it,” he added.
Earlier, Mohamad explained in a statement that the government had not made a decision on the introduction of the proposed Madani White Rice programme, or “Beras Madani”, as mooted by Bukit Gantang MP, Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal.
Syed Abu Hussin’s suggestion to have Beras Madani be sold at RM30 for a 10kg packet from March 1 sparked numerous questions, including concerns from industry players. – February 20, 2024