KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has not received any complaints regarding the switching of labels for rice from local to imported, which is said to be happening of late.
Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the rice issue was under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry via the Padi and Rice Control Office.
"So far, we do not have any proof or evidence regarding this matter (the changing of local rice label to imported) happening," he said.
He said this after the launch of the Payung Rahmah Initiative together with Jaya Grocer and Grab Malaysia at a shopping centre today (July 6).
Salahuddin said his ministry and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry would continue to collaborate in monitoring the issue.
"During the cabinet meeting yesterday (July 5), both ministries did discuss this matter.
"We will monitor and act upon the situation, including taking action, should the complaint be valid.
"At the same time, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will also carry out Op Beras Putih as part of our efforts to monitor this issue," he said.
It was reported that some rice wholesalers were allegedly trying to manipulate the controlled price set by the government by changing the local packaging to the imported ones in order to get a much bigger profit.
Such a tactic is believed to have been done because the price of imported rice is not regulated nor controlled by the government, while the price of local rice has been set at RM26 for the 10-kilogramme bag.
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