KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is conducting a thorough investigation into the alleged sale of plastic rice at a retail outlet in Sabah.
Its acting minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said he is aware of the incident and has ordered an investigation to be carried out immediately by the ministry's Sandakan branch together with the padi and rice regulatory division.
"The case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Trade Descriptions Act. We have visited the outlet involved and additional information is also being obtained from the person who shared a viral video on the allegation.
"We are also studying the invoices from retailers and suppliers," he told reporters after presenting the contract of service appointment letters to engineers and assistant engineers at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here, today.
Armizan was commenting on a viral video over the alleged sale of rice made from plastic at one of the supermarkets in the state. The video sparked concerns about the quality of rice available in the local market.
He gave his assurance that the allegation will be investigated as it involves the interests of the people as well as health issues.
"However, at this stage, we need to investigate the allegations, the validity of the claim and obtain related evidence.
"The ministry, as the agency entrusted with enforcement particularly in two related acts - the Trade Descriptions Act and the Consumer Protection Act 1999 - will not take this matter lightly.
"We will not stop until the truth is revealed because this involves the interests of the people," said Armizan who is also the Minister in Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions).