KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has finalized a report investigating cartel activities involving rice and padi, as disclosed in the Dewan Rakyat today. Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Fuziah Salleh confirmed the completion of the report, which delves into potential abuses by companies dominating seed supply, importation, and other sectors within the industry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fuziah stated that while the details of the report are pending official disclosure, the study aims to address concerns over dominant market positions potentially affecting rice and padi prices. During a Q and A session, she responded to supplementary questions posed by Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kasim (PN-Arau) regarding efforts to regulate rice prices and proposals to raise the padi purchase floor price, which currently stands at RM1,300 per tonne.
Fuziah further elaborated on the government’s strategies to combat cartel and monopoly activities influencing price hikes. She emp
hasized MyCC’s investigative role in identifying and acting against such practices within the supply chain. “A cartel occurs when several companies collude to control prices. If there’s agreement along the supply chain, food prices rise,” she explained. “A monopoly happens when a company misuses its dominant position for profit, prompting MyCC to investigate and take necessary action.”
In response to a separate supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) about the Menu Rahmah programme, Fuziah announced enhancements to benefit discount cardholders. These cardholders can now make purchases at nationwide Jualan Rahmah events, a move aimed at simplifying access to essential goods at competitive prices. She noted challenges faced by Menu Rahmah operators due to varying supermarket systems, which initially hindered the use of a single discount card across different outlets. Adjustments have been made to allow cardholders to purchase goods at Jualan Rahmah, expanding their options beyond tradi
tional supermarket constraints.