SIBU, Oct 9 — A rice supplier here made an official complaint at the Padi and Rice Regulatory Division (KPB) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security here after being affected by a viral video alleging "plastic rice” was being sold in the market.

Sibu KPB branch chief Mohd Izzwan Ibrahim, who confirmed receiving the complaint, stated that he was taking the allegation seriously and would investigate immediately.

"Investigations were carried out by the (KPB) Authority today and samples of the rice involved were taken at the supplier’s premises to be sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis,” he told Bernama.

According to him, KPB denies the existence of plastic rice in the market, especially in Sibu.

He explained that for every entry of imported rice at the port, a safety certificate must be presented by the exporting country and Bernas will also conduct an inspection before the rice is distributed.

He added that there is no apparent motive for anyone to produce plastic rice due to the high cost but hesitant consumers could make an official complaint at the KPB office at Lot 1157, No 4C, 1st Floor, Block 6, Jalan Hua Khiew or call 084-326 494.

Two days ago, a viral video clip showed an elderly woman who threw a lump of rice on the floor but which did not scatter. The woman, who speaks Iban, claimed that her family had sore throat after eating the rice. — Bernama