SIBU: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) seized 645.75 metric tonnes of subsidised rice, including imported white rice, during an integrated operation last week.
Dubbed ‘Ops Taring Bravo 3’, the operation saw the padi and rice regulatory (KPB) enforcement unit, police and Malaysian Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA) raiding a warehouse in town here on May 15 and 16.
According to the ministry, the premises was found storing controlled goods without a licence under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994.
“The goods worth RM2.1 million were confiscated along with its related documents for further investigation under Act 522 and the Control of Padi and Rice Regulations (Wholesaler and Retailer Licensing) 1996.
“Investigations will also be conducted on the company to determine if it was misappropriating price-controlled goods, specifically imported white rice,” the ministry said.
Misappropriating subsidised goods is irresponsible and results in losses to the country, making it difficult for people to purchase these goods.
The ministry assured that KPB will collaborate with national enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to curb the misappropriation of imported white rice in Sarawak and Sabah, including attempts to smuggle rice out of the country.
All licence holders are reminded to comply with the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 and its regulations.
Members of the public are urged to report any violations related to padi and rice through the KPB complaint portal at https://skpb.kpkm.gov.my/adu or contact the KPB Headquarters in Putrajaya at 03-88701751/1748/1183.
