THE Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) and the enforcement division of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry have been instructed to contact Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh regarding the alleged existence of a rice cartel.

Acting minister Armizan Mohd Ali said they had been directed to gather information and evidence to help investigate the allegation.

He said the ministry views seriously any complaint that touches on the interests of the people, and that it welcomes cooperation from all parties.

“The ministry’s responsibility is in the enforcement of certain elements related to the Consumer Protection Act and Trade Descriptions Act.

“However, if there are allegations regarding the rice cartel, the ministry can conduct an investigation through MyCC, which has the power to investigate cartels under the Competition Act 2010,” he told reporters after closing the Science and Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Week and Community-based Disaster Risk Management Using ICT Technology at Kem Wawasan in Kundasang today.

On Monday, Akmal reportedly claimed the existence of a rice cartel selling local rice as broken rice at a higher price. – Bernama, October 5, 2023.