Shocking Revelation: Study Confirms Local Rice Mixed Into Imported Rice!

The long-standing issue of mixing local rice with imported rice has finally been confirmed! Senior Biological Sciences (Genetics) Research Officer from the Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Mohd Syahril Firdaus Ab Razak, has revealed that a study found 40% to 50% of 5,000 imported rice samples contained traces of local white rice (BPT).

Using DNA fingerprinting technology, the research was conducted throughout 2023 and 2024, with samples sourced from the Paddy and Rice Regulatory Office and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). These samples were taken directly from rice mills for analysis.

Is the Mixing Happening at the Milling Stage?

Researchers believe this mixing occurs at the milling level, where farmers cultivate paddy using local seeds before selling the harvested rice to mills. It is at this stage that local rice is suspected to be blended with imported rice before being sold to consumers.

MARDI’s research centre has a DNA profile database of over 50 rice varieties, enabling authorities to scientifically verify the source of the rice tested. The analysis process is highly detailed, with rice samples taken from three different sections of each rice bag—top, middle, and bottom—before undergoing DNA extraction. This ensures accurate results that are not influenced by external factors.

No Law to Prevent Rice Mixing – New Regulations Needed!

What’s even more concerning is that there is currently no law prohibiting the mixing of local and imported rice. Mohd Syahril hopes that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) will collaborate with research centres to study and draft new regulations to address this issue.

This effort is crucial in ensuring consumers are not misled by uncontrolled rice mixing. The matter has gained further attention following statements by Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Fuziah Salleh, who hinted at possible cartel involvement in the rice industry, including power abuse by companies controlling seed supply and imports.

Source: Sinar Harian