KUALA LUMPUR: Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) has announced its support for the government’s initiative to lower the price of imported white rice (BPI) as part of efforts to alleviate the rising cost of living for the Malaysian population. In a recent statement, BERNAS confirmed its commitment to implementing a price reduction at the BERNAS warehouse gate in Peninsular Malaysia, bringing down the cost from RM3,000 to RM2,800 per tonne, effective December 1, 2024.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this pricing adjustment aligns with the strengthening of the Malaysian ringgit against the US dollar, as well as a decrease in global rice market prices. This decline follows the Indian government’s decision to lift an export ban and abolish export duties on non-basmati white rice. BERNAS had previously reduced the price of BPI from RM3,200 to RM3,000 per tonne in March 2024, even when rice prices were at a 15-year high, highlighting their commitment to supporting the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KP
KM) and industry stakeholders to maintain product availability and bolster food security.

Malaysia is currently recognized for offering the lowest rice import prices in the Southeast Asian region, a position BERNAS is determined to maintain. The agency emphasized its proactive approach in monitoring global market trends, with the flexibility to adjust prices as necessary to support national food security objectives.