PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has seized 300 bags of rice from 213 packaging and manufacturing premises inspected during Ops Campur.
The ministry's enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam said the inspections carried out on Monday (March 10) led to 48 investigation papers being opened, involving 48 of the premises inspected.
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"The total value of the seizures is RM15,321.40, and all the confiscated rice will be sent to the Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre under the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), and to the Chemistry Department for analysis," he said during a press conference on Tuesday (March 11).
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said he has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations that imported rice sold in Malaysia is being mixed with local rice, as this move could constitute a serious breach of trade laws.
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He said the ministry’s Enforcement Division has been instructed to act swiftly under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, which governs product labelling and descriptions in Malaysia.
"I have directed the ministry’s Enforcement Division to carry out an immediate investigation into the issue of mixed rice being sold in the market under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, which falls under the ministry’s jurisdiction," he told The Star.
He said the investigation would focus specifically on rice sold under the "Super Import" category — a label denoted by blue packaging — to determine whether the rice fully complies with legal standards.
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"Our investigation will focus on rice packs in the 'Super Import' category, which bear a blue label.
"Under the Rice (Control of Grade and Price) (Amendment) Order 2001, issued through the Essential (Rice Supply Control) Regulations 1974, it is stipulated in Paragraph 2(c) that 'Super Import' refers to rice sourced entirely from outside Malaysia," he explained.
"This means that rice sold under this category must contain 100% imported rice. If it is found that these blue-labelled 'Super Import' packs contain local rice, it would violate the law," he added.
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He also highlighted that Section 5 of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 makes it an offence to use, supply, or offer for sale any goods bearing a false trade description.
To strengthen the investigation, he said the ministry will collaborate with Mardi and the Chemistry Department, both of which are recognised as competent authorities in this field.
"As I mentioned, we will be working closely with Mardi and the Chemistry Department to analyse the rice samples. Mardi’s newly developed Rice DNA fingerprinting technology is expected to significantly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of our investigations and enforcement efforts," he said.
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The minister added that the government is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that businesses comply with labelling and import regulations.
"If any breaches of the law are uncovered, firm action will be taken under existing legislation," he stressed.
Ops Campur will be enforced under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 (Act 730), and legal action will be taken against any party found guilty of providing false trade descriptions.
For individuals, if convicted, they may be fined up to RM100,000, imprisoned for up to three years, or both.
For subsequent offences, the fine may be increased to a maximum of RM250,000, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
For companies, the fine may be up to RM250,000 for the first offence and up to RM500,000 for any subsequent offences.
