PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
BERNAS Strengthens Commitment To National Food Security With Imported White Rice Price Adjustment
SHAH ALAM, 15 MAY – Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) today reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner in national food security by implementing the price adjustment for Imported White Rice (BPI), in line with the announcement made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, YB Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad bin Sabu.
Effective today, 15 May 2025, all BPI prices at BERNAS warehouses across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak will be adjusted to RM2,600 per metric tonne. However, the Government’s BPI subsidy programme for Sabah and Sarawak will continue as usual.
In a statement, BERNAS explains that this proactive measure reflects BERNAS’ 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. This allows consumers to purchase imported rice at a lower price, thereby supporting efforts to ease the cost of living.
Previously, on 1 December 2024, BERNAS reduced the BPI price from RM3,000 to RM2,800 per metric tonne. Malaysia continues to offer the lowest BPI prices in the Southeast Asian region.
BERNAS reassures 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 of Malaysia, BERNAS remains committed to managing a sustainable stockpile and ensuring the continuous availability of rice across the country.
BERNAS also remains committed to its social responsibility by supporting the farmers community. Following the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement in February, BERNAS channelled RM90 million Special Aid Allocation for Paddy Farmers, to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to support the MADANI government’s efforts to improve the livelihoods of underprivileged farmers.
The fund, entirely contributed by BERNAS without the use of public funds, was disbursed in two phases. The first phase of RM60 million was released in stages, with the final instalment of RM15 million completed on 5 March 2025. The additional RM30 million cash aid, was fully paid to the government on 28 March 2025.
BERNAS will continue to collaborate closely with KPKM and industry stakeholders, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening national food security. The company remains dedicated to supporting the ministry’s long-term action plan, with a focus on prioritising farmers’ welfare and ensuring the sustainability of the national rice supply.
About BERNAS
Established in 1994, BERNAS assumed the pivotal role of custodian for Malaysian paddy and rice, succeeding the corporatised Lembaga Padi dan Beras Negara (LPN). With over three decades of dedicated service, BERNAS has emerged as a cornerstone in Malaysia's paddy and rice industry, earning recognition as a steadfast partner in promoting food security and sustainability.
At the heart of our mission is the enduring slogan, "Nourishing the Nation," epitomizing our unwavering commitment to delivering premier products and services to our homeland. Grounded in the principles of Integrity, Customer Focus, and Teamwork, we uphold our responsibilities with utmost dedication, harmonizing the needs of all stakeholders and maintaining the highest standards of quality throughout our comprehensive supply chain.