UNDER the supervision of the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF), locally consumed rice varieties can be purchased across townships in Yangon Region under a mobile market system, as per reference prices set by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
MRF announced on 4 December to sell rice at the set reference prices and comply with rules and regulations for rice price stability. The Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Commerce issued reasonable market prices monthly. MRF urged rice millers, wholesalers, retailers, depot owners, merchants and traders to follow the reference prices to make transactions. Additionally, the federation asked them not to manipulate the market in terms of quality or prices.
Yet, price-gouging sales posts are spreading on social networks. Some unscrupulous traders are allegedly attempting to hike the prices of Shwebo Pawsan and Ayeyawady Pawsan varieties during the harvest season of new paddy, MRF’s notification stated.
Therefore, MRF thereby notified again not to store locally consumed rice varieties such as Shwebo Pawsan, Ayeyawady Pawsan, Ayeyamin, Ayeyapadetha, Magyantaw and Manawthukha for price manipulation. They were asked to comply with the reference price regulations again.
Those rice varieties are not designated for export so merchants cannot raise excess prices because of the export market and the negative impacts of natural disasters. If consumers find those kinds of fake news, they are considered social media manipulation.
MRF announced that the warehouse operators and wholesalers need to seek registration on Myanmar Rice Online (MyRO) through www.myro.com.mm for procurement of more than 2,500 baskets of paddy and over 25 tonnes of rice by 24 December 2024, according to the directives of the Ministry of Commerce.
MRF warned that overpricing, sales with inaccurate measurement and quality and non-compliance with directives are subjected to fines, taxation and prosecution under Section 5 of the Essential Supplies and Services Law. Thus, rice millers, rice outlets, traders and merchants are encouraged to strictly adhere to the rules. — NN/KK
