No talk of importing white rice from Pakistan, says Bernas

FMT:

No talk of importing white

rice from Pakistan, says

Bernas

FMT Reporters

-03 Jan 2025, 11:52 AM

It says Malaysia is not facing a supply crisis with the imported white rice stock being sufficient to meet the country’s needs.

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Bernas said it consistently ensures that imported white rice prices in Malaysia remain competitive and was aligned with global market trends. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The country’s sole rice importer has clarified that there has been no discussions with the government committee on food prices regarding a proposal to import white rice from Pakistan.

Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) said, however, that it is prepared to collaborate with various parties to enhance the national food agenda.

“Bernas cautions any party that issues media statements related to the issue of rice imports to support their comments with facts.

“They should also ensure that such comments are made only after discussing it with the relevant parties, including Bernas, to avoid creating any confusion among consumers as this could impact the stability of the national rice market,” it said in a statement today.

This comes after Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, the chairman of a government committee on food prices, was reported as saying that the government is considering importing white rice from Pakistan to address problems with supply and pricing.

On Wednesday, Syed Hussin was reported to have said that a proposal had been submitted to Bernas for consideration but no decision had been made yet.

In its statement, Bernas also said that Malaysia is not experiencing a rice supply crisis, and the stock of imported white rice (BPI) is sufficient to meet the country’s needs.

“Bernas consistently ensures that BPI prices in Malaysia remain competitive and is aligned with global market trends,” it said, adding that Pakistan is one of the main suppliers of BPI, alongside Thailand, Vietnam, and India.

The company added that it was committed to social responsibilities as the government’s concession holder, including guaranteeing local rice farmers a reliable market for their produce when they cannot sell to private mills.

“In addition, Bernas manages the country’s rice stockpile sustainably. Ensuring the availability of rice supply in the country is one of 10 social obligations worth RM3.2 billion throughout the concession period.

“Bernas also supports the welfare of farmers through sharing 30% of the profits from imported rice, and providing a one-off aid of RM60 million to farmers, as recently announced,” it added.