MYANMAR Rice Federation (MRF) has encouraged retailers to sell rice at reference prices and cooperate to stabilize rice prices, according to its notification dated 8 July.
Retailers play a vital role in the rice market, and they have a direct connection with consumers. They are located across towns and cities. At present, rice millers, depot owners, and wholesalers are found to follow the instructions and sell rice at the set reference prices. Retailers still need to comply with this. Therefore, MRF urged retailers to sell rice (Shwebo Pawsan, Ayeyawady Pawsan, Pawsan rice varieties, 90-day short matured rice, Pakhan, Manaw Thukha, Ayeyamin, Ayeyapadetha, Magyantaw rice varieties) at the right price, right sales and good quality, MRF reiterated.
Inspections and prosecutions against those who sell the rice at overprice will face action under the Essential Supplies and Service Law and Consumer Protection Law. Concerted efforts of all stakeholders concerned in the distribution chains are required for rice market stability, MRF notified.
Furthermore, consumers can complain through the contact numbers of MRF (09 400067240, 09 400067250, 09400067260, and 01 218266-68) by tipping off if wholesalers, rice millers and depot owners fail to comply with instructions to sell rice at reference prices if they do not sell the goods and only if the rice of inferior quality can buy. If retailers need to get access to supply to sell rice at reference price, MRF will directly send them to retail shops. MRF invited retailers to join in this effort to stabilize rice prices. — NN/KK
