Aboli on of rice import monopoly lauded
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce Tawau welcomed the Federal Cabinet’s decision to abolish the white rice import monopoly by Bernas, and hoped the policy will be implemented soonest possible.
TAWAU: The Chinese Chamber of Commerce Tawau welcomes the Cabinet’s decisions to abolish the policy of white rice monopoly importation by Bernas and hoped the policy will be implemented the soonest possible.
On June 6, minister of Agriculture and Agro Industry, Salahuddin announced that the Cabinet has decided to terminate the policy of Bernas’ white rice importation monopoly.
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Tawau president, Chia Seong Fatt welcomed the Cabinet’s decision and praised the Pakatan Harapan Government for being caring and concerned about the livelihood of the people as the monopoly removal will certainly lighten the burden of the people.
Bernas has been enjoying the monopoly of white rice importation for more than 20 years. During this period rice dealers can only procure whatever grade and quality of rice determined by Bernas.
He said consumers are not given the choice to choose their needs. This is unfair to consumers and also against the principle of free enterprise market mechanism.
The opening for free importation of white rice will provide more opportunities for business and offer more choices to consumers. This would also provide opportunities for down stream manufacturing activities as well.
Chia said that his company was a meehoon manufacturer for almost 15 years, but due to the import monopoly policy his company was unable to import cheaper and better crushed rice from overseas. He said during that period, the cost of imported Vietnamese grade 1 crushed rice was 70 to 80 cents per kg. Due to monopoly, his company was forced to import low grade crushed rice from Peninsular Malaysia at RM1.30 to RM1.40 per kg. This high cost low quality raw material resulted in an uncompetitive disadvantage, hence the business was unable to continue.
He said that our country’s white rice importation has been monopolised by Bernas for more than 20 years. It is time to abolish this policy. He urged the Pakatan Harapan Government to end the monopoly business as soon as possible in order to benefit all consumers