ALOR SETAR: The government’s implementation of ‘Op Beras Putih Tempatan’ (Op BPT) to combat irregularities in the sale of rice by changing the packaging or label of local white rice to imported white rice is being seen as a protective measure against cheating. Farmers and rice growers’ associations in the state also view this move as a way to protect their welfare by preventing them from being cheated by wholesalers.
The issue of fraud related to local rice wholesalers who repackage local white rice as imported white rice and sell it at the retail price for imported rice has been ongoing for a long time, according to Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia (PeSawah) executive council member Abdul Rashid Yob. He believes inaction due to lack of disclosure on social media platforms will continue to deceive consumers and have adverse effects on farmers. Abdul Rashid urges an increase in the frequency of enforcement operations to thoroughly address the issue and benefit all parties.
Abdul Rashid also proposes that the local white rice ceiling price be revised to reflect the increase in global rice prices and the costs involved affecting the entire supply chain. He suggests an ideal price for both local and imported white rice to create a win-win situation. Currently, the ceiling price of local white rice is RM2.60 per kilogramme.
Mohammad Hafidz Ismail, a padi farmer from Kampung Teluk Tawar in Yan who has been cultivating padi for 12 years, emphasizes the need for enforcement officers to conduct inspections at shop premises and the country’s entry points to combat fraud. He believes that the implementation of this operation will benefit the people and farmers, and any leakage should be addressed immediately.
Ahmad Bakar, a padi farmer from Alor Setar with over 30 years of experience, expresses his belief that such an operation will undoubtedly benefit the people of Kedah, where most of them work as farmers. He is concerned that if the issue of fraud is not curbed, the younger generation may lose interest in continuing to cultivate rice, feeling that their hard work is being wasted without receiving any protection.
Launched on August 16, OP BPT focuses on inspecting and enforcing regulations on commercial rice mills and rice wholesalers to ensure compliance with existing regulations and legislation at all levels of the rice distribution supply chain. Law enforcement related to rice and rice is carried out by the Padi and Rice Regulatory Division (KPB) under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522). Parties found guilty of making false statements about rice grades may be fined up to RM25,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both. Companies, upon conviction, can be fined up to RM50,000. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
