RI Government Promises Heavy Punishment for 'Fake' Rice Suppliers

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The widespread distribution of 'fake' rice made out of plastic in the market has frightened many people. With a number of individuals reportedly claiming to suffer from stomach-ache after consuming the rice they bought from the market in Bekasi, it is confirmed that its presence presents such a great threat to people's well- being. 

The Indonesian government responded to such unfortunate report, by assuring that they never yield any permit allowing for imported rice to be distributed within the country.

The usually packed Bantar Gebang market in Bekasi was immediately transformed from a venue facilitating bargain process between merchants and customers, to a location where law enforcers deployed to perform investigation following reports of fake rice made out of plastic.

Local police personnel from Bantar Gebang Bekasi Police Sector, Officer Gatot Suyanto revealed the unfortunate fact of many people coming into the site buying the rice that supposedly made out of plastic.

"It worries me, knowing that the place is generally crowded and so the victims must be more than just one family, because I believe Dewi and her family is not the only one who buys rice from that particular store," Officer Gatot explained.

With such growing fear, Bantar Gebang Bekasi Police Sector immediately dispatched its personnel to come into the site and perform investigation procedure as to find out whether or not such customer claim is justifiable and if so, whether there is only one store or more that sells made out of plastic rice.

As shown on Liputan 6 Siang SCTV on Wednesday (20/5/2015), The Indonesian Ministry of Trade is currently investigating the suppliers behind the distributed rice. They have come to conclusion that these illegal products were smuggled into the country.

Indonesian Trade Minister, Rachmat Gobel continually assured how the government never allows for anyone to import fake rice into the country.

This then confirms the fact that most of the distributed fake rice are the products of smuggler.

"The distribution of goods made out of harmful substances is against the law as it endangers the health of its consumers. We will make sure the suppliers of such illegal rice receive appropriate punishment," Minister Rachmat concluded. (Akp/Tnt)