PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
BERNAS Reinforces Sustainable Agriculture Initiative With USM
Barn Owls as Natural Biological Control Agents in Paddy Fields
Paya Keladi, 13 May 2025 – Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) continues to reinforce its commitment to the sustainability of the nation’s rice industry through a strategic collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), under the “Driving Sustainable Agriculture” project officially launched today at Penang 2030 Centre, Paya Keladi.
The initiative introduces the use of barn owls (Tyto alba javanica) as a natural biological control agent to combat paddy field rats — one of the primary threats to the crop yields of smallholder farmers in Malaysia. This collaborative project with USM is driven by the Barn Owl and Rodent Research Group (BORG) under the School of Biological Sciences, and is fully funded by GlobalGiving, an international organisation that supports sustainable development worldwide.
According to Dr Hasber Salim, Lead Researcher and BORG Coordinator, “This project stands as evidence of how ecology-based approaches can replace toxic rat poisons, which pose significant risks to humans, wildlife, and the environment. We are deeply grateful to GlobalGiving for their trust and full financial support for this project.”
He added that the project is specifically focused on paddy-growing regions, particularly supporting B40 farmers in adopting more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.
BERNAS plays a crucial role in on-ground implementation, including logistics, the distribution of 20 barn owl nest boxes to selected farmers, and the management of community awareness campaigns.
“We are committed to supporting this innovative effort as it aligns with BERNAS’ role as a key stakeholder in the nation’s rice industry. In addition to helping farmers reduce costs and the risks associated with chemical pesticides, this initiative also contributes towards a more sustainable and competitive agricultural ecosystem,” said Mohd Zakri Bin Zulkafli, Head of Farm Management Department.
He further stated that this pilot programme has the potential to become an alternative eco-friendly and safe pest control model for paddy fields, in line with BERNAS’s agenda to ensure the sustainability of the nation’s rice industry and the well-being of local farmers.
Today’s launch ceremony was also attended by representatives from USains, government agencies, academia, local farmers, and industry partners—symbolising strong support for collaborative efforts in advancing sustainable agriculture and uplifting the livelihoods of farming communities.
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.