Melaka Exco Threatens to Close Down Factory for Refusing to Sell Affordable Local Rice

For many, food security isn’t a thing as for them, meals are plentiful and consistent. But there are others who have to struggle to afford food for themselves and their families. In recent days, things have only gotten harder for them as prices are rising while food supply is declining.

In an effort to take action of the complaints received from the public about the lack of local rice supply in grocery stores, Melaka State Exco Member, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh remanded rice manufacturers in Melaka for allegedly refusing to sell local rice at the government-ordered price RM25.50 for a 10kg bag.

In a video showcased by Sinar Harian, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh conducted surprise visits to 2 factories and threatened to close down the business of one manufacturer after he said that he would experience losses by following the government’s pricing. He also claimed to only get a small profit margin compared to selling imported rice.

“If you’re at a loss, you tell me you’re at a loss now, I’ll pull your license and we’ll give it to someone else. Do you want that?”

“You tell me now, I’ll seal off your factory, I’ll take all of this rice and I’ll give it to a (different) factory who will do the job,” Dr Muhamad Akmal sternly told the manufacturer.

He also pointed out to the manufacturer that profits shouldn’t be prioritised while the people are struggling, adding that profits can come later when the economy has improved.

“I don’t care. As long as your factory is running, you have to do it (sell local rice at government-ordered pricing). I believe, if you say you’re not profiting, you wouldn’t be operating.”

You can check out the video of this incident here: 

Menyedari kesukaran rakyat untuk mendapat bekalan beras menyebabkan Exco Kemajuan Desa, Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan Melaka, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh melakukan pemeriksaan secara mengejut di dua buah kilang beras di Melaka pada Isnin.

Beliau yang juga Ketua Pemuda UMNO… pic.twitter.com/QICqLb7y5O

— SinarHarian (@SinarOnline) September 26, 2023

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