Woman in Malang Arrested After Repackaging Subsidized Rice into Premium Rice

Kapanlagi.com - EH (37), a woman from Mangliawan Village, Pakis District, Malang Regency, was arrested by the Food Task Force Team of the Malang Police Criminal Investigation Unit. The suspect is alleged to have misused government-subsidized SPHP (Supply and Price Stabilization of Food) rice and then resold it for personal profit. The suspect repackaged the government-subsidized rice and sold it at a higher price.

"We have successfully uncovered a case of consumer protection and food-related crime regarding the repackaging of Bulog's SPHP rice program into premium packaging," said Kompol Imam Mustolih, Deputy Chief of Malang Police, during a press conference at Malang Police Headquarters on Monday (18/3/2024).

1. Police Seize 1.2 tons of Bulog Rice

KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

EH was confiscated from Rizky Zain's rice store on Kubu Street, Kidal Village, Tumpang District, Malang Regency on Friday (15/03). The police successfully seized 1.2 tons of Bulog rice in 50Kg packaging, 445Kg of rebranded Ramos Bandung rice, and 450Kg of rebranded Raja Lele rice. In addition, one unit of Suzuki Carry vehicle used as a tool, as well as packaging equipment such as bag sewing machines and weighing scales.

EH changed the packaging of Bulog SPHP Rice in 50Kg size, which is regulated by the government in terms of sales and price, namely Rp10,900,- per Kg. The rice was then repackaged with Raja Lele and Ramos Bandung brands in 25Kg and 5Kg sizes and sold for prices ranging from Rp14,000 to Rp16,000 per Kg.

"The modus operandi of this repackaging is sold with an average price of Rp14,000 per Kg, which certainly exceeds the maximum retail price that has been determined," he explained.

2. Already Happened 5 Months Ago

KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Meanwhile, the Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Malang Police, AKP Gandha Syah Hidayat, added that the examination results of the suspect EH revealed that the illegal practice had started five months ago. Initially, EH obtained information about the purchase of Bulog rice through a seller group on social media around mid-October 2023.

To deceive his actions, the suspect utilized his rice store as a place for repackaging the rice packaging so as not to arouse suspicion from the authorities. EH has earned a profit of at least Rp45 million during its operation.

3. Conducting Investigation Process

KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

The police are currently still conducting an investigation regarding the supplier of Bulog SPHP rice, which distribution is regulated by the government. On social media, many traders offer SPHP rice, which is prohibited as it falls under goods that receive special government supervision.

“We do not close the possibility of thoroughly examining all information because the investigation is still ongoing. We, from the Food Task Force, continue to actively monitor, control, and regulate the prices of basic commodities in the Malang regency area,” said AKP Gandha.

4. Maximum 5-Year Sentence Threat

The Head of Bulog Malang Branch, Siane Dwi Agustina, appreciates the Malang Police for their efforts in uncovering the case of the misappropriation of subsidized rice. She hopes that the firm action taken by the police can serve as a deterrent to those who commit the same act.

In order to be held accountable for his actions, the suspect EH is now being detained at the Malang Police detention center. The suspect is charged with Article 62 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 8 of the Indonesian Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning consumer protection, with a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp2 billion.

“We express our gratitude to Mr. Kapolres and his team for uncovering this incident, so that in the future, certain parties will not engage in the same behavior,” she said.

(kpl/dar/dyn)