PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
BERNAS Assures A Sufficient Supply Of White Rice
Kuala Lumpur, 7 June 2023 – Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) wishes to address a news report by Sin Chew Daily Online dated 6 June 2023 that the country might be facing a possible rice shortage, claiming that BERNAS has cut its sales of white rice to the association members by 50%.
Based on the news report, the Malaysian Rice Wholesalers Association (MRWA) had alleged that BERNAS has reduced its white rice supply quota, leaving their white rice stocks critically low and that the nation might not have enough rice to consume.
BERNAS wishes to clarify that our average monthly sales to MRWA as of May this year is 10,600 metric tons, compared to the normal 6,700 metric tons last year; a marked increase of 60%.
For the record, in the last five years, the monthly sales of imported white rice have been around 55,000 metric tons. From January to May 2023, the monthly average has increased to 71,000 metric tons. This represents a significant increase of 26% in the monthly sales of imported white rice, which is sufficient to meet the domestic rice demand.
BERNAS has also taken several proactive measures in upholding our commitment towards national food security, which include securing the purchase of another 150,000 metric tons of imported white rice and in the midst of acquiring more. We will continue to work closely with the Government to ensure rice supply stability in the country.