In a bold move, Umno Youth Chief Dr. Akmal Saleh has taken matters into his own hands in response to the scarcity of local rice supply in the market. Dr. Saleh, also the Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security Committee Chairman, carried out an impromptu visit to a rice factory, where he delivered a stern warning to manufacturers about potential repercussions if they fail to comply with government directives.
In a video message spanning three minutes and twenty-four seconds, Dr. Saleh stressed his commitment to safeguarding the interests of the people over commercial interests. He made it unequivocally clear that he would not hesitate to revoke the licenses of manufacturers who resist producing local rice in accordance with government-set specifications for packaging and pricing.
Dr. Saleh dismissed the notion that narrow profit margins could serve as a valid excuse for manufacturers to refrain from producing local rice. He emphasized that adherence to government guidelines was not negotiable and that the RM26 price point per packet was non-negotiable.
"If you are unwilling to produce local rice, just say so, and I will revoke your license. If you claim you will incur losses, bear in mind that this is a government mandate to sell at RM26 (per packet)," Dr. Saleh asserted in the video shared on his Facebook page.
While the exact location of Dr. Saleh's visit remains unconfirmed, it is widely believed to have taken place in Melaka. Prior to this intervention, Dr. Saleh had suggested that the government restrict the sale of local rice to foreign consumers in the wake of a surge in prices attributed to market supply shortages.
He clarified that this measure was not about discrimination, but rather about prioritizing the needs of local consumers. This move garnered widespread support from netizens, including a Facebook user named Izzara Maya, who concurred that it was unreasonable for a factory not to turn a profit under these circumstances.
"That's correct. They already have a license to package local rice, yet they refuse to do it, claiming it's not profitable. This is simply unacceptable," remarked Izzara Maya.
Mus Lat, another netizen, suggested that some manufacturers might be hoarding rice and withholding it from the public. According to Mus Lat, these unscrupulous practices come to light when the price of imported rice surges.
"Those who hoard rice refuse to release it. Suddenly, local rice disappears from the market when the price of imported rice rises. Let's just revoke the licenses of those who misbehave," Mus Lat recommended.
Dr. Saleh's intervention signals a resolute commitment to ensuring the availability and affordability of local rice for Malaysian consumers. By directly addressing manufacturers, he is sending a clear message that compliance with government directives is not optional but imperative for the collective well-being of the nation. This proactive stance resonates with many who believe that the interests of the people should always take precedence over commercial considerations.
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