KPKM to Finalize and Enforce Amendments to Act 522 This Year

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is committed to completing amendments to the Control of Padi and Rice Act (Act 522) and enforcing them within this year.

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stated that the amendments aim to strengthen enforcement against the practice of repackaging local rice as imported rice. The changes will incorporate recommendations from research conducted by the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC).

“We will amend this Act based on recommendations from MyCC, which has conducted research on the rice and padi industry. From there, we will implement necessary changes to address this issue, enhance monitoring, and take action against those who violate the law,” he said.

Last Thursday, during a parliamentary session, Mohamad highlighted that Act 522 currently lacks enforcement provisions for actions such as mixing local and imported rice. The existing law only lists seven offenses, including hoarding rice to create artificial supply shortages.

Tilapia Aquaculture Aspire Program

Speaking at an event at SMK Jalan Kebun, Mohamad also launched the Aquaculture Aspire Program by Agrobank, which introduces biofloc aquaculture technology to 20 selected schools.

Each school will receive an 18-square-foot pond stocked with 1,500 tilapia fingerlings. The initiative, worth RM15,000 per pond, has the potential to generate revenue for schools, as properly maintained tilapia can be harvested within three months, with two fish averaging one kilogram in weight.

School Assistance Program

During the event, Mohamad, who is also MP for Kota Raja, presented RM150 cash aid and school supplies, including bags, stationery, and water bottles, to 200 students. The event was also attended by Agrobank CEO Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin.