SIBU: The Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) wants stop pepper traders from adulterating their products to maximise profit.
Its chairman, Larry Sng (pic) in his posting on his Facebook said such illegal practises needed to be curbed as it had indirectly suppressed the price of Sarawak pepper and reduced the quality of the product.
“In recent years, we have witnessed an increase in the adulteration of pepper from traders who are seeking higher margins by mixing Sarawak pepper with lower grade foreign peppers,” he explained.
He added that in order for MPB to be able to do so, they had decided at its third board meeting for this year on Aug 15 that it would need to take on the role of enforcers which would see its officers taking action against traders who adulterate their products.
“As advised by the Attorney General’s office, MPB will be granted such powers if we relinquish our trading functions,” he said.
The Julau MP revealed that one of the matters discussed at the meeting was the establishment of a committee for its newly established subsidiary company which will take over the functions of its trading activities.
“MPB’s trading functions is unique. All the other boards under the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) like cocoa, oil palm, timber, and rubber do not have the same trading functions under their respective organisations.
“Starting next week, all future purchases and sales of pepper will be decided and operated by a new board, appointed by the Ministry of Primary Industries and independent from MPB.
“As MPB chairman, my focus has always been to encourage fair pricing for farmers to encourage and protect their interests, many of whom are from my constituency of Julau,” he said.
He also hoped that the newly appointed chairman for this subsidiary would share the same views and manage the organisation professionally.
