Rice Seizure: Police and Padi and Rice Regulatory Authority Crack Down on Irregular Rice Trading
Raid Yields 1,750 Kilogrammes of Unlabelled Rice
In a joint operation, the police and the Johor Padi and Rice Regulatory Authority (JPRA) have successfully seized 1,750 kilogrammes of unlabelled rice in a raid in Skudai, near Johor Bahru, at 3:40 pm yesterday. The operation, which aimed to crack down on irregular rice trading, uncovered a significant quantity of rice without grade and price labels.
Unlabelled Rice Worth RM14,875 Seized
According to ACP M S Balveer Singh, the Johor Bahru north district police chief, the seized rice consisted of 70 bags, each weighing 25 kilogrammes, with an estimated value of RM14,875. The seized rice has been handed over to the state Padi and Rice Regulatory Authority for further action and investigation.
Regulatory Violations
The case is being investigated under the provisions of the Control of Padi and Rice (Licensing of Wholesalers and Retailers) Regulations, which require retail licensees to affix a label or tag showing the grade and price of rice on the bag offered for sale and display it in a visible place. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in punishment under Section 22(1) of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If convicted, the parties involved in the irregular rice trading can face punishment under Section 22(1) of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522). This provision outlines the consequences of non-compliance with the regulations, including fines and imprisonment.
Conclusion
The seizure of unlabelled rice is a significant step towards ensuring that rice is traded fairly and transparently in the market. The authorities will continue to monitor and regulate the rice trade to ensure that consumers are protected and that the industry operates in accordance with the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the quantity of unlabelled rice seized in the raid?
A: 1,750 kilogrammes
Q: What was the estimated value of the seized rice?
A: RM14,875
Q: Why was the rice seized?
A: The rice was seized due to non-compliance with the Control of Padi and Rice (Licensing of Wholesalers and Retailers) Regulations, which require retail licensees to affix a label or tag showing the grade and price of rice on the bag offered for sale and display it in a visible place.