Kuala Lumpur: The findings of a study conducted by the Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) found that approximately 50 per cent of the 5,000 imported rice samples seized by the authorities were mixed with local white rice.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MARDI Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre senior research officer Mohd Shahril Firdaus Ab Razak stated that the study utilized deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing technology to differentiate between local and imported white rice. The study examined 5,000 samples, which were randomly selected from 55 bags of rice seized during several operations. Each bag provided 95 samples, and the analysis of 950 samples could be completed within three to five days.
Mohd Shahril Firdaus explained that the study spanned from the end of 2023 to March 2024, during which the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) established a Special Task Force for Integrated Operations of Local White Rice. This initiative aimed to trace the local white rice supply chain. The study report has been submitted to the relevant authorities, namely the Padi and Rice Regulatory Authority (KPB) and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).
He also noted that 10 subsidised rice varieties, such as MR303, MR307, MR315, Padi Putra 1, and Padi Putra 2, were part of the study sequence, focusing on subsidised rice varieties due to their widespread use by rice farmers who send their harvest to factories.
The study, requested by authorities like KPB and KPDN, aims to aid in monitoring and enforcement. The technology, introduced in 2023, supports the identification of local rice sources, safeguarding community interests, and ensuring the quality and authenticity of subsidised local rice.
KPDN has received 47 complaints related to rice issues, including those concerning mixed rice suspected to be a combination of local and imported varieties, throughout the Op Jamin period from July 7 to September 2, 2023. On October 9, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced plans to introduce regulations prohibiting the mixture of local white rice with imported white rice as a primary strategy to address the local white rice shortage issue.