During the debate in Dewan Negara on the motion of thanks for the royal address, Nasir Idris said this was necessary as the problem has remained unresolved, Bernama reported.

He also called for strict action, including heavy fines and the revocation of operating licences, to be taken against companies involved in rice mixing.

Echoing Nasir’s concerns, senator Ros Suryati Alang said the ongoing issue of rice mixing indicated the existence of cartels, which had led to the shortage of local rice and adversely affected the people.

Ros Suryati also proposed that the government establish a special task force to oversee all rice mills.

Meanwhile, senator Lim Pay Hen said the lower price of local white rice should benefit the people, particularly the B40 group. However, the rice mixing had exacerbated the shortage of local rice in the market.

He urged the government to come up with more serious strategic measures to resolve the problem.