Regent denies famine

Regent denies famine

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The Musi Banyuasin regency
administration denied yesterday that there was a famine following
rice harvest failure in the area.

In a letter sent to the South Sumatra provincial
administration's public relations office, Nazom confirmed reports
that some people in Cinta Manis village had been eating tubers
instead of rice, Antara reported.

But he said that tubers were a traditional diet for people in
the area and their consumption had nothing to do with food
shortages.

He said to overcome food shortages resulting from rice harvest
failure, the administration had appealed to companies operating
in the area to extend help. (emb)