Malacca food security exco conducts surprise checks at rice mills

The persisting issue of rice supply shortage in the country since the beginning of this month has become a public concern, with local white rice reported to be difficult to obtain in shops and supermarkets.

As a short-term solution, the government included imported rice, which is not a controlled item and is more expensive than local rice, in its Rahmah sales initiative.

Acknowledging the severity of this matter, Malacca Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairperson Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh conducted surprise checks at shops around the state.

“I started (the checks) at shops. After that, the wholesalers, then the manufacturers and we will see after that.

“We want to see what the obstacles (that caused the rice shortage) are,” he told Malaysiakini.

In a three-minute video that went viral on social media, Akmal was seen being stern with one of the manufacturers who allegedly refused to sell local rice with a price set at RM26 for 10kg.

The clip uploaded on Akmal’s Facebook showed that the manufacturers refused to comply with the government instructions because of the small profit margin compared to selling imported rice.

"This is the government's order, if you say it's a loss, I'll revoke your licence, and we’ll give it to someone else," Akmal said.

Through his sharing on Facebook, Akmal has been making surprise inspections since last week.

Yesterday’s inspection involved two rice factories in the Krubong Industrial area at Melaka Tengah.

‘Not reaching people’

Akmal said he was disappointed with certain quarters who disobeyed the set price of RM2.60 per kg for local white rice, as stated in the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).

"The instructions issued by the ministry for the (sake of the) people did not actually reach the people.

"So, when there is an obstacle, like it or not, my job is to make sure that everything is implemented and reaches the people,” he added.

The Merlimau assemblyperson believes it is pertinent for the people to know the real cause of the lack of local white rice supply.

“With data from the Padi and Rice Regulatory Division, we want to ensure the amount that enters Malacca and how much is repackaged. That is the amount that needs to be sold to the people.

"Even if there is not enough rice, the people will be less angry than (feel that they were) cheated, when the stock is actually hidden," he said.

‘Check invoices’

To ensure there are no such tactics to hide rice, Akmal said his party conducted a thorough inspection.

"For example, the manufacturer gets how many metric tonnes of rice and how many metric tonnes of rice he sends out. From there, how many metric tonnes are packed and where are they sent to?

"Let's say he sent out 50 bags to a store, we will track the store and check when the rice was delivered and when they are sold out.

"We will look at the store's invoice. That’s what I do," he asserted.

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The action taken, Akmal said, was important to send a signal to those involved in the rice supply chain.

Elaborating, he said he also plans to carry out an inspection together with the Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry and local authorities.

"All parties have to help... (Through the surprise inspection) I want to tell the people what’s really happening. The minister also needs to know what’s really going on.

"Sometimes the reports we get say that there is enough rice but the reality is different. So this is the proof, I made this video. I want to reveal that this is what’s actually happening," he added.

Akmal issued a warning that he would not compromise with any party that wanted to make huge profits from the people’s woes.

"I appeal to all parties, be it shopkeepers, retailers and manufacturers, in times of crisis we have to work together to help the people.

“Perhaps there are manufacturers who say that there is not much profit. But they still gain profit.

"If I find that there are parties hiding rice, or lying when packing rice, I will not compromise. We will take very strict actions against them,” he stressed.

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