Mat Sabu: Govt to address cartels claims in rice system

KUALA LUMPUR: The possibility of restructuring of the existing rice system is being examined to address claims of irregularities and cartels, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

He said the ministry viewed seriously the allegations of the existence of rice cartels or occurrence of “games” by certain parties in the sector.

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“We view this (rice issue) seriously and will do whatever we can, including the restructuring of the rice and padi system, whether it needs to be reviewed ... the government will reassess from the point of view of the structure of the rice organisation in Malaysia,” Mohamad said during a working visit to a freshwater fish pond in Rawang yesterday, Bernama reported.

The Bumiputera Rice Association of Malaysia (Barim) had made the allegations of games and cartels within the industry.

Barim president Ismail Awang reportedly said that association members did not receive local rice supplies from Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) while most supermarkets received their supplies.

Mohamad said several industry-related issues were still being discussed between the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) and Kawalselia Padi dan Beras (KPB).

“Right now, these (issues) are still in the discussion stage and if there are any irregularities, action will be taken. But we will wait for the results of the investigation,” he said.

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Meanwhile, in relation to the aquaculture industry, Mohamad said the ministry had set the industry’s production target at 500,000 tonnes for this year.

He also said this could be achieved by empowering revenue resources, which are 60% in aquaculture and 40% in capture fishery.

At the same time, Mohamad added that the campaign to increase people’s interest in freshwater fish products needed to be intensified in order to further increase the demand for these products.