Bernas revises down price of imported white rice by RM200 to RM2,600 per tonne
KUALA LUMPUR: Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) has implemented the price adjustment for imported white rice (BPI) at RM2,600 per tonne effective May 15.
The adjustment is made at all BPI prices at Bernas warehouses across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
The government's BPI subsidy programme for Sabah and Sarawak will continue as usual.
Bernas said the measure reflects its continuous commitment to supporting the government's efforts in safeguarding the nation's food supply resilience and mitigating the impact of rising global market prices.
Bernas had previously reduced the BPI price from RM3,000 to RM2,800 per tonne in December last year.
Bernas reassured that the nation's supply is sufficient to cater to domestic needs.
The company highlights that it continues to source rice from other countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar.
"This diversified sourcing strategy is aimed at reducing reliance on a single source, safeguarding the national stockpile and ensuring the nation's rice supply remains secure.
"As the concessionaire under its agreement with the government, Bernas remains committed to managing a sustainable stockpile and ensuring the continuous availability of rice across the country," it said in a statement.
Bernas also channelled RM90 million special aid allocation for paddy farmers, to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to support the government's efforts in improving the livelihoods of underprivileged farmers.
The fund was disbursed in two phases.
The first phase of RM60 million was released in stages, with the final instalment of RM15 million completed on March 5.
The additional RM30 million cash aid was fully paid to the government on March 28.
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