Paddy sector under scrutiny

Government ready to examine restructuring of existing rice system, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is ready to examine the restructuring of the existing rice system to avoid the occurrence of irregularities or cartel syndicates in the country’s paddy and rice industry.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu says 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 paddy 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, near here yesterday.

Previously, the Bumiputera Rice Association of Malaysia (Barim) claimed 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 were no stocks; however, most of the supermarkets received their supplies.

Mohamad said several industry-related issues were still being discussed between the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) and Paddy 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; bt we

We view this (rice issue) seriously and will do whatever we can, including the restructuring of the rice and paddy 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.

Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu

will wait for the results of the investigation,” he said.

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, standing at 60 per cent in aquaculture, and 40 per cent 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.