Many people in Malaysia have recently renewed their faith and hope in the government’s battle against corruption.
The corruption busters at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission deserve commendation for their unrelenting determination to smoke out corrupt individuals – small and big alike.
The Attorney General’s Chambers, too, merits our appreciation prosecuting nabbed corrupt politicians, civil service heads and corporate honchos.
As we follow these developments, we cannot dismiss corruption has seeped into mega-infrastructure projects, land acquisitions, business deals, licensing approvals and mega-bucks defence procurements.
Yet while we count on the nation’s leadership to pursue all these high-profile cases, it is time to confront food safety as well.
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The food and beverage industry is not immune to wrongdoings. Are manufacturers compromising quality and safety?
Are ~~food and beverage~~ importers ~~upholding high ethical standards in ensuring they are not~~ cutting corners by cashing in ~~by bringing in products~~ from suspicious supply ~~sources~~ chains?
Do the products sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, wet markets and pasar malam (night markets) contain dangerous pesticides and unsafe fertilisers that corrupt farmers use to maximise yields or cut losses?
In an age where the food supply chain has become complex, lucrative and expensive, technology has also enabled dubious suppliers to cash in doubly through fake products – all while middlemen evade the radar entirely.
Suggesting that corruption is restricted only to land deals, money laundering, and licensing is dangerously naive. Wouldn’t the food and beverage industry also have corrupt hands in the jar too?
Given Malaysia’s food and beverage industry generates well over RM228.66 billion yearly, the government must also investigate the players in this sector.
The local media needs to conduct in-depth investigations and expose any wrongdoing.
A nation that feeds its people safe, quality and affordable food secures not just public health, but also the people’s wellbeing and productivity. This move will guarantee progressive nationhood for generations to come.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
