RANAU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is probing claims on the existence of rice cartels in the country.
Acting Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, in response to claims first raised by Umno Youth chief Dr Mohd Akmal Saleh, said the ministry was treating the allegations seriously.
"This forms part of our comprehensive investigation process, which was demonstrated during our earlier probe into claims of a cartel in the chicken feed supply ecosystem.
"On claims of the presence of rice cartels, I had yesterday directed the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC), as well as the ministry's enforcement unit, to contact Akmal to get more information and evidence.
"We welcome cooperation from any parties," he said.
He was speaking after attending the Science and Technology Week on Reducing Disaster Risks at Dewan Kampung Dumpiring here yesterday.
On Monday, Akmal had claimed that rice cartels were selling local rice at an inflated price.
He alleged that the cartels were selling locally-produced rice at RM3.40 per kg instead of the RM2.60 controlled price by tampering with invoices.
The government-controlled price of RM2.60 applied to the local super special variety. Other types of rice were not subjected to price control.
Akmal had posted a picture of a bag of what is believed to be local rice with an invoice stating that it contained broken rice. He promised more exposes in future and called for stricter enforcement by the authorities.
Armizan said any matter relating to the Consumer Protection Act and Trade Descriptions Act was the responsibility of the ministry.
"In government administration, the custodian for development and enforcement of padi and rice supply, from pricing to production and retail, comes under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry under the Padi and Rice Control Act.
"However, if the claims are related to cartels within the rice industry, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry can launch a probe through MyCC, which has the authority to probe cartels under the Competition Act 2010," he said.
