Rice aid goes rotten

PADANG, West Sumatra: A contribution of at least 16.5 metric tons of rice sent by the State Ministry of Food and Horticulture was found rotten in several district offices, an official said.

The rotten rice was not taken away as of Tuesday as further instruction was anticipated.

Pauh village chief in Painan district, Suardi M.T., said residents badly needed the rice, since they were hit by food shortages. "But several families returned the rice as it was rotten," Suardi said.

Darisman, chief of the branch of the National Logistics Agency in Painan, said that the rice was low quality and therefore decayed only after a few days in storage.

"The district officials stored the rice for more than a week, so it was already spoiled when they distributed it," Darisman said.

It was not clear whether officials would provide fresh rice for the residents. (28/edt)