Traders: Premium Rice Enthusiasts Drastic Drop After Numerous Adulteration Cases Many buyers are hesitant to purchase premium rice. Rep: Mg159/ Red: A.Syalaby Ichsan

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Following the rise in cases of puffed rice among several premium brands, many rice traders feel that the demand for quality rice has decreased. As a result, they are reducing their stock and increasing the supply of regular or retail rice. Abdul Hadi (62 years old), one of the owners of a rice shop in the traditional market of Persatuan Sepakbola Pasar Tebet (PSPT), Tebet, South Jakarta, admitted that until now, he has not supplied premium rice again due to the low demand. However, he still provides old stock premium rice and retail rice. He admitted that many buyers are hesitant to buy premium rice. Sales of premium branded rice, with a size of 5 kilograms, have experienced a drastic decline in purchases. "Yes, many, especially since the issue of puffed rice, which is the packaged rice. First of all, the 5-kilo branded ones, since the issue, the branded 5-kilo rice has drastically decreased, people are not buying it anymore, they are now hesitant," Hadi ...