KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — The Special Integrated Task Force on White Rice Operations Enforcement (Op BPT), launched in early October, has been extended until November 17.
This is to intensify operations, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, following issues related to the smuggling of subsidised imported white rice (BPI) into neighbouring countries.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the matter was agreed upon in the Op BPT weekly meeting at Menara Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang yesterday.
"By extending this period, there will be integrated enforcement at Sabah and Sarawak's borders to prevent subsidy leakage and wastage of national funds," he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Chan, as the Op BPT chairman, said the relevant enforcement agencies had conducted 196 inspections at 71 factories, 113 wholesalers, and 12 retailers in Peninsular Malaysia, as of November 1.
Three cases under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522) and nine cases under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) have been investigated so far.
He added that stern action would be imposed on those found to be changing the packaging or mixing local white rice (BPT) and BPI, smuggling out BPI, or hoarding supplies of BPT.
Members of the public with complaints or information on issues related to rice supply can contact the complaint hotline at 03-8870 2393/2207.
— Bernama
