THE Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) has launched a full-scale operation dubbed "Ops Campur," an operation aimed at investigating the mixed rice scandal in the local market, beginning March 10, 2025.
KPDN is focusing on identifying and preventing this illicit activity and ensuring that consumers receive rice of the proper grade.
The operation will target rice manufacturers and packagers, particularly those dealing with imported rice, to conduct inspections and enforce regulations.
This move follows a recent exposé by the Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Center at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), which uncovered that 50% of 5,000 rice samples seized by authorities contained mixtures of local white rice.
KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, had convened a special meeting with MARDI yesterday to discuss the situation and subsequently instructed the launch of the operation. The ministry has moved quickly to inspect both local and imported rice available in the market, aiming to curb the illegal mixing of rice along the supply chain.
These actions are being carried out under the enforcement of the ministry’s applicable laws.
To date, KPDN has not received any official complaints from consumers regarding the issue.
However, authorities have inspected 213 premises, leading to 48 cases being identified for further investigation.
Several rice samples have been seized, with a total value of RM15,321.40 recorded from the seizures. These samples will be sent for testing and analysis at the Department of Chemistry Malaysia and MARDI to determine the extent of the adulteration.
OPS CAMPUR is being enforced under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 [Act 730].
KPDN Director General of Enforcement Datuk Azman Adam said, in a statement today, the ministry has warned that legal action will be taken against any individual or company found guilty of engaging in deceptive trade practices regarding the content, type, or labeling of rice under Section 5 of Act 730.
Offenders may face penalties under the Act, including a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both for individuals. For repeat offenders, the fine could be as high as RM250,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
For errant companies, anyone involved and charged will be a fine of up to RM250,000, with repeat offenses resulting in a fine of up to RM500,000.
In addition, KPDN has urged the public to report any complaints related to the issue to the ministry through WhatsApp 019-848 8000; its e-complaint portal: [email protected], call center at 1 800 886 800 or KPDN’s Ez Adu mobile app. – March 11, 2025
