KUALA LUMPUR: The Padi and Rice Regulator Board (KPB) is investigating the disposal of hundreds of sacks of rice near Pintasan Rumpun Makmur - Kampung Gunung Senyum, Pahang, involving former Kuala Krau member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Mohamed Said.

Its director-general, Datuk Azman Mahmood, said the investigation was initiated under Section 22 (1) of the Padi and Rice Control Act 1994 for disposing of rice without prescribed procedures.

He said those found guilty could face a maximum fine of RM15,000 or imprisonment of up to two years or both.

"We have initiated the investigation and are in the process of taking action, but it all depends on the attorney-general for prosecution.

"KPB takes this matter seriously and it is the first time such an incident has occurred in Malaysia. We do not want the same thing to happen again and it is hoped that prosecution like this will serve as a lesson to all parties, including individuals, retailers, and wholesalers," he said today.

Yesterday, pictures of scores of rice sacks, sardine tins and bags of flour dumped in the area went viral on social media.

Ismail claimed responsibility and apologised, saying that the food had expired and spoiled.

Ismail said he had stockpiled the food at his own expense when he was Kuala Krau MP before the 15th General Election.

He said the items were put in storage as no distribution of items to the public was allowed during the GE15 campaign period

Azman said there were procedures to dispose of rice and it should not have been discarded at a landfill.

"If the rice is unfit for (human) consumption, we usually advise to use it as feed for livestock," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1040382/padi-regulator-investigating-disposal-rice-pahang-landfill