Coordinating Minister For Food On Oplosan Rice: 14 Companies Have Been Examined

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan revealed that 14 companies had been investigated in connection with the alleged mixed rice case. The inspection was carried out by the National Police Food Task Force (Satgas).

This statement was conveyed by Zulkifli Hasan after a coordination meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Food Agency, the Food Task Force, the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, the Attorney General's Office, and the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Coordinating Ministry for Food, Jakarta, Friday, July 25.

"Many, many. There are already 14 companies," he said.

The man who is familiarly called Zulhas said the government was compiling three steps to deal with mixed rice. First, will give strict sanctions to companies that are proven to practice mixed rice.

One, for those who violate, who commit fraud against the community, sell is not in accordance with what is offered, that is clearly the article. So decisive action must be taken," he said.

Second, continued Zulhas, the government decided not to withdraw rice in accordance with the quality or oplosan of circulation. However, the government asks producers to lower rice prices according to their original quality.

Zulhas also warned rice producers not to play with fraudulent practices anymore. Because, this practice is clearly a fraud.

"Not withdrawn. Lower the price according to its contents. Don't lie. If you still want to play around, 14 companies have been investigated," he said.

Finally, continued Zulhas, the government decided to remove the clustering of rice in the premium and medium categories. Later, it will only be divided into two types, namely general rice and special rice.

Zulhas explained that general rice is rice produced by domestic farmers and receives subsidies from the government, both in the form of fertilizer, irrigation, and other assistance.

Meanwhile, continued Zulhas, special rice is rice determined based on permits and certification from the government, such as fragrant pandan rice, glutinous rice, or imported rice for medical needs.

"Well, looking at that experience, we will make only one type of rice later. Rice is rice, no longer medium and premium. Yes, rice has rice, there is one more called special rice. So there are only two," he said.

Zulhas said the plan to remove the clustering of rice was decided after observing various findings from the Attorney General's Office, Bareskrim Polri, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Food Task Force related to rice that did not match the quality and packaging.

"This rice is a program that involves the lives of many people, Mr. Prabowo's top priority program, therefore no one is allowed to play here, let alone take the greatest benefit for his own interests," he said.