PADI CONTROL ACT AMENDMENT TO BE TABLED IN NEXT PARLIAMENTARY SESSION - MOHAMAD

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Amendments to the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522) which aim to strengthen monitoring and tackle price manipulation as well as combat rice cartels are expected to be tabled at the next Dewan Rakyat sitting.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the amendments were among others to create new regulations to enforce rice grading specifications, in addition to setting control prices for selected rice grades.

"Through this new regulation, the specifications of rice grades and prices will be set to ensure that they are always under control and to protect the interests of all parties.

"The main objective of setting controlled prices for selected rice grades is to guarantee the stability of rice supply in the market and protect consumers, especially the low-income group," he said at the Special Chamber session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kasim (PN-Arau) who raised issues related to padi and rice which have long plagued the country's staple food ecosystem, burdening the people.

Mohamad said the regulation would also stipulate the obligation of rice producers to clearly state product information, including the price and broken rice content, to ensure that consumers receive correct information about the product they purchase.

"Violation of any provision under the new regulation is an offence under Act 522," he said.

He said the formulation of the new regulation would also strengthen the role of research agencies such as the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) in providing strong scientific evidence to assist authorities to prosecute on cases related to rice in court.

"In conclusion, the decision to restructure the rice grade and price structure was made based on the main principles of national food security, which is to ensure sufficient supply, stable prices and that all parties in the rice and rice chain from farmers to consumers continue to be protected," he said.

Mohamad also assured that his ministry would implement appropriate interventions based on Act 522 if there is disruption or instability in the entire production chain and supply of padi and rice in the country.

-- BERNAMA