Kuala lumpur: 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 stated that the amendments would introduce new regulations to enforce rice grading specifications and set control prices for selected rice grades.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these regulations aim to ensure that rice grades and prices remain under control to protect the interests of all parties involved. The primary objective is to guarantee the stability of rice supply in the market while safeguarding consumers, particularly those in the low-income group. Mohamad addressed these measures during a Special Chamber session at the Dewan Rakyat, responding to concerns raised by Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kasim (PN-Arau) about longstanding issues affecting the country's staple food ecosystem.

Mohamad emphasized that the new regulation would require rice producers to clearly disclose product information, including price and broken rice content, to ensure consumers receive accurate information. Violations of any provision under this regulation would be considered an offence under Act 522. The regulation is also designed to enhance the role of research agencies such as the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), providing scientific evidence to support legal actions related to rice issues.

The decision to restructure rice grades and prices aligns with national food security principles, focusing on ensuring sufficient supply, stable prices, and protection for all stakeholders in the rice supply chain, from farmers to consumers. Mohamad assured that the ministry would take necessary interventions based on Act 522 to address any disruptions or instability in the padi and rice production chain in the country.