Monrovia — Amidst speculations in Monrovia that there is scarcity of the nation's staple, rice, on the Liberian market, the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICAT), Dr. Laurence Bropleh has dispelled the rumors, terming it as calculated attempt to encourage hoarding of the commodity by unscrupulous businessmen.

Speaking Thursday at news conference held at the ministry on Capitol Hill, Dr. Bropleh warned those who might be hoarding the rice that it was a violation of the laws and that those caught in the practice would be severely dealt with, although he could not readily disclose the punitive action.

He pointed out that there was enough rice on the market to meet the demands of consumers and that there was no need in raising false alarm.

It can be recalled in recent days, rumors had been circulated in Monrovia and its environs about the shortage of the commodity in shops, stores and the market, although many shops are visibly seen with stock-pile for sale.