KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 — The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has directed several agencies and manufacturers of legal padi seeds (BPS) to immediately resolve complaints related to the delay in the supply and sales of BPS, which exceeded the government's set prices.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, said the agencies include the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada), the Padi and Rice Regulatory Board, and the Department of Agriculture and Regional Farmers' Organisation (PPK).
The directive was issued following complaints from several farmers and padi farmers' organisations on the issue, so he conducted a field inspection and monitoring yesterday at two factories which hold permits to produce BPS in Kedah.
"The inspection's results have identified several issues causing BPS supply disruptions.
"The BPS manufacturer has also committed to supplying BPS immediately to Mada.
“For areas outside of Mada's supervision, I have ordered inspections and enforcement to be enhanced," Mohamad said in a statement today.
Strict action will be taken against any party that fails to comply with the instructions to sell padi seed at RM45 per 20-kilogramme bag.
He hopes all parties involved will cooperate so all arising issues can be resolved immediately to ensure the rice planting process can comply with the set schedule.
— Bernama
