The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is prepared to conduct audits on licence holders involved in rice wholesale, export, import, rice mills, paddy purchase, rice retailing and special approval for selling certified paddy seeds to address cartel-related issues.

According to its minister, Mohamad Sabu, currently, there are about 39,000 individuals involved in the rice and paddy industry.

"I conducted surprise visits to assess the status of rice and all aspects of food consumption in the country without prior notification.

"Alhamdulillah, at present, this issue is gradually being resolved because we are taking collective action and if anyone violates the law, we trust that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will take appropriate measures, similar to what we are doing,” he told reporters after visiting a cattle breeding and farming centre at Kampung Seneng Jelawat in Bachok, Kelantan yesterday.

Mohamad said that through the National Rice and Padi Control Agency, they conduct investigations and take action based on facts, working in coordination with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.

"We respond to concrete facts and refrain from publicising individual cases.

“The investigations are conducted in collaboration with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, given their role in addressing cartel-related issues,” he said, adding that there are presently cases at the prosecution stage.

- Bernama

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