Deputy agriculture and food security minister Chan Foong Hin said the man had also apologised to a Sandakan-based company which was alleged to have sold the plastic rice.

“The company accepted the apology and the perpetrator was issued a stern warning,” Chan said in a statement.

He also reminded the netizen not to repeat his actions.

Last week, a video clip depicting material resembling plastic in cooked rice sparked concerns about the quality of rice available in the local market amid an ongoing shortage of rice.

Rice importer Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) denied the claims after the video went viral.

The company said it consistently ensured a high level of compliance with certification standards and strict quality monitoring at every stage of its rice procurement for both its imported and local supplies.