BERNAS TO LOWER IMPORTED WHITE RICE PRICE FROM DEC 1

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) supports the government's efforts to ensure that the price of imported white rice (BPI) is lower to ease the burden of the people's cost of living.

In line with the announcement by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu yesterday, BERNAS will implement a reduction in the BPI price at the BERNAS warehouse gate in Peninsular Malaysia from RM3,000 to RM2,800 per tonne, effective December 1, 2024.

"This price adjustment is in line with the strengthening of the ringgit against the US dollar (USD) and is driven by the current price decline in the world rice market following the recent lifting of the export ban and the abolition of export duties on non-basmati white rice by the Indian government," said BERNAS in a statement today.

In March 2024, BERNAS reduced the BPI price from RM3,200 to RM3,000 per tonne in Peninsular Malaysia even though at that time the BPI price trend was still at its highest level in 15 years.

“This clearly demonstrates BERNAS’ commitment to always working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) and industry players to ensure product availability and support the food security agenda,” the statement added.

Currently, Malaysia continues to offer the lowest rice import prices in the Southeast Asian region.

“BERNAS will continue to adopt a proactive approach in monitoring global market conditions and adjusting prices as needed,” the statement added.

-- BERNAMA