Minister Saeed makes false claims regarding reports of rice shortages
Economic Minister Saeed faced a rebuttal from a journalist after he accused the media of falsely reporting a rice shortage in the market. The journalist clarified that the report did not claim rice had run out, but rather that the State Trading Organization (STO) had imposed restrictions on rice sales. Despite repeated inquiries from the journalist regarding whether such limits had indeed been implemented, the Minister failed to provide a direct answer to the question.
Minister of Economic Development, Transport, and Trade Mohamed Saeed speaks during a press conference held at the President's Office on Thursday. | RaajjeMV
Minister of Economic Development, Transport, and Trade Mohamed Saeed has fabricated a significant falsehood by claiming that reports were made suggesting the country had run out of rice supplies.
During a press conference held at the President's Office on Thursday, Minister Saeed expressed significant displeasure following a question from a RaajjeTV journalist. Instead of addressing the query, the Minister criticized the outlet, alleging they had previously reported that the country’s rice supplies had been exhausted.
One of the claims circulating yesterday was that the market had run out of rice. Let me be clear: we have not run out of rice. It is irresponsible to create such significant public tension by spreading misinformation. Why claim there is a rice shortage when no such shortage exists?Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Mohamed Saeed
When Minister Saeed spoke in this manner, the journalist clarified the details of the report.
Staff at the State Trading Organization (STO) garage have reported that rice sales have been restricted over the past two days. These reports indicate that the STO staple foods warehouse has begun rationing rice sales due to dwindling stock levels.
Furthermore, the Minister avoided giving a direct answer when questioned about whether rice sales are currently being restricted or if any such limits had been imposed recently.
