Bernas adjusts price of imported white rice

KUALA LUMPUR: Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) has adjusted the price for imported white rice from RM3,200 to RM3,000 per metric ton.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bernas said the reduced prices would come into effect on March 20.

“This translates to a decrease in the retail price of imported white rice by RM2 to RM3 per 10kg bag,” it said.

Bernas stated its commitment to ensure product availability, despite the price of imported white rice remaining high for the past 15 years.

Bernas aims to support and uphold the nation’s food security agenda by collaborating closely with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and industry partners.

Bernas reiterated its commitment to the ministry’s long-term action plan, prioritising the welfare of farmers and maintaining a sustainable rice supply chain within the country.

On Tuesday, the government announced that the retail price of imported white rice would be reduced by RM2 to RM3.

Currently, imported white rice retails for between RM38 to RM45 per 10kg bag. With this adjustment, a 10kg pack of imported white rice could go down to RM35.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the decision was finalised by the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) to overcome the shortage of local white rice in the market following the announcement of imported white rice prices by Bernas on Sept 1, 2023.

“The government remains optimistic that the initiative will be able to ease the people’s cost of living during the Ramadan month and festive season,” he said.