Residents Of Bukittinggi Geger The Discovery Of Cheap Price Synthetic Rice, Walkot Erman Safar: Stay Calm And Alert

Police officers check the allegedly fake rice circulating and consumed by residents in Bukittinggi City, West Sumatra. Between/Altas Maulana

BUKITTINGGI - The City Government (Pemkot) of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra (West Sumatra), asked residents to provide reports regarding information circulating the discovery of synthetic rice in the local area. Fake rice made from plastic is dangerous if consumed. "Regarding the information on synthesis rice circulating in Bukittinggi City, we urge the public not to panic, remain calm, and be vigilant," said Bukittinggi Mayor Erman Safar in Bukittinggi, as reported by Antara, Wednesday, October 4. The Bukittinggi City Government coordinates with related parties and whatever the latest information will be submitted to the public. "We urge people to buy rice at subscription places and be trusted, and not to be tempted by cheap rice, apart from official government and institutional programs," said Erman Satar. He asked for the active participation of the public to provide a complaint report if they found suspected rice made of counterfeit. "If you find rice with suspicious characteristics, please report it through the Bukittinggi City Agriculture and Food Service or through the kelurahan or sub-district for later we will carry out laboratory tests," said Erman Satar. The discovery of the allegedly fake rice in Bukittinggi was revealed some time ago in the Campago Ipuh area by a resident. "The rice is strange, different from usual. It's too white, it hardens quickly and is stale, and also competes," said one resident, Dessi (30). He admitted that he experienced complications after consuming the allegedly synthetic rice. "Radang throat, dizziness, and high fever, that's what I felt for two weeks after eating this rice," he said.

The rice, which was purchased at a price of Rp. 5,000 per kilogram, was then checked directly by the police for further laboratory checks.