LAWM 7400 LAW RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

DEVELOPING A HYPOTHESIS AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. HYPOTHESIS :

“If the Rice Control Act 1994 (Act 522) is effectively implemented, then it
should lead to the regulation of Malaysia's rice industry, addressing and
mitigating allegations of cartel practices in the control of padi mills, seed
production, and the pricing of paddy.”

a) Population : Malaysia's rice industry

b) Independent Variable : The Rice Control Act 1994 (Act 522)

c) Dependent Variable : Allegations of cartel practices in the control

of padi mills, seed production, and the pricing
of paddy

2. RESEARCH QUESTION :

a) What specific provisions and loopholes within the Rice Control Act 1994 (Act
522) may contribute to potential exploitation by major companies in
controlling padi mills, seed production, and pricing?

b) How effective is the regulatory body, Kawalselia Padi dan Beras (KPB),
established through the Rice Control Act 1994, in preventing cartel-like
activities and ensuring fair practices within the padi industry?

c) Are there alternative regulatory frameworks or policy measures that could

be implemented to address the identified loopholes in Act 522 and mitigate
the alleged control exerted by major companies in the rice industry?

d) What role does the agricultural and food security ministry play in ensuring
the enforcement and effectiveness of the Rice Control Act 1994, and are
there gaps in their oversight that may allow for the dominance of major
companies in the industry?
LAWM 7400 LAW RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. SOURCES :

a) “Bahagian Pembangunan Industri Padi - KPKM,” n.d.

https://www.kpkm.gov.my/bahagian-pembangunan-industri-padi.

b) Rosli, Fahmy A. “'Tiada Kartel, Mafia Monopoli Industri Padi, Beras Negara'”
Berita Harian, January 4, 2024 .
https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2024/01/1196261/tiada-kartel-
mafia-monopoli-industri-padi-beras-negara.

c) Bernama. “Ministry Denies Claims of Cartel, Mafia Controlling Prices of

Rice, Paddy Seeds.” NST Online, January 4, 2024.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/997395/ministry-denies-
claims-cartel-mafia-controlling-prices-rice-paddy-seeds.

d) Hashim, Roslinda. “Paddy Cartel Controls Industry - Sanusi.” Sinar Daily,

September 5, 2023.
https://www.sinardaily.my/article/207083/malaysia/national/paddy-cartel-
controls-industry---sanusi.