SIBU: State Health Department has taken action on the ‘fake rice’ that was reportedly found in Sibu by sending the sample of rice which believed to be ‘fake rice’ to Johor today (Nov 12).
Its director Dr. Jamilah Hashim explained that in fact the Health Department did not receive any complaints or reports on the fake rice.
“We knew about it (fake rice) from the local media and we have been in touch with the Sibu Division Health Officer to get to the complainant. And we have been able to contact the complainant through the local media.
“Thus, we will be sending the sample of the rice which is believed to be fake rice to be sent to our lab in Johor. But before that, we are unable to determine whether the rice is fake rice or not,” she stressed.
Dr. Jamilah this to told reporters after the launch of ‘Gotong-royong mega’ to combat Aedes held at Farley Commercial Centre in Salim Road here yesterday.
According to her, it would take time to get the result and the public will be informed on the status of the rice once the Health Department gets the result.
“I am not sure about the brand of the rice but if the rice is much cheaper than normal rice, perhaps the public should think twice before purchasing the rice,” she added.
She then advised the public to make complaints or reports to the Health Department or the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) if there is any suspicious matter on the ‘fake rice’ sold in the market.
On the fake rice that was reportedly found in Sibu, two members of the public were shocked when the rice they had cooked turned into a weird item and did not look like genuine rice. The rice was of different brand which they bought from different places in Sibu.
She also claimed that the rice tasted like cotton. She could squeeze the water out when it is wet and the rice becomes as light as a feather when it is dry. She also claimed that the rice would be still in good condition if left in the open for few days.
