Govt willing to restructure rice system to avoid cartels, says Mat Sabu

THE GOVERNMENT is ready to examine the restructuring of the existing rice system to avoid irregularities or cartel syndicates in the country’s padi and rice industry.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the ministry views seriously the allegations of the existence of rice cartels or occurrence of “games” by certain parties in the sector.

“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,” he said.

He said this in a press conference during a working visit to a freshwater fish pond at the ARC Berkat Agrofood Sdn Bhd in Rawang today.

Previously, the Bumiputera Rice Association of Malaysia (Barim) alleged that there was a certain “game” within the Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), in addition to claiming that cartels were most likely in existence.

Barim president Ismail Awang reportedly said that association members did not receive local rice supplies from Bernas because they said there was no stock, however, most of the supermarkets received their supplies.

Mohamad said several industry-related issues are still being discussed between the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) and Padi and Rice Regulatory (KPB) Authority.

“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.

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

He also said this can 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 needs to be intensified to further increase the demand for these products. – Bernama, January 21, 2024