Bernas invites visitors to understand its role
Published on: Sat, Aug 02, 2025
By: David Thien Text Size: According to Bernas' spokesman, 'A key highlight this year is the success of the SMART Large-Scale Paddy Field (SMART SBB) Programme, Ala Sekinchan (Selangor) Model in Kota Belud, launched in 2022 in close collaboration with state and federal agencies. Kota Kinabalu: Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) invites visitors to its interactive booth at the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day (HPPNK) 2025 now being held at Level 4, Sipadan Convention Hall of the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) from Aug 1-3, 2025. Visitors will see first-hand how rice – a staple on every table, is part of a bigger story of food security, farmer empowerment and national resilience. According to Bernas' spokesman, 'A key highlight this year is the success of the SMART Large-Scale Paddy Field (SMART SBB) Programme, Ala Sekinchan (Selangor) Model in Kota Belud, launched in 2022 in close collaboration with state and federal agencies. 'In the first season of 2025, Kampung Jawi-Jawi recorded a 21pc yield increase, rising from 3.79 MT/Ha to 4.59 MT/Ha and this directly improved farmer income and strengthened Sabah's domestic rice production. 'Now expanded to 10 locations across Kota Belud, the programme engages over 80 active farmers, combining modern practices, training, financial support and mechanisation to transform traditional farming and uplift rural livelihoods. 'As the government's strategic partner in food security, Bernas is not just managing rice imports but also helping transform the local paddy industry through innovation, investment, and close engagement with farming communities,' he said. 'Food security begins with awareness. When people understand what goes into producing a bowl of rice, they will value it more and that creates national resilience.' Visitors to the Bernas booth can look forward to a variety of fun and engaging activities for all ages, including a unique Rice Sensory Experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of Malaysian rice varieties, and a 'Guess the Weight of Rice' contest, where two lucky winners will receive a year's supply of rice. In 2022, Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim publicly criticised Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar over Bernas' rice import monopoly and its impact on padi farmers; the issue was resolved when Syed Mokhtar agreed to allocate RM90 million from Bernas' profits to support farmers, satisfying government demands without altering Bernas' monopoly. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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