PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
BERNAS Invites Malaysians To Discover The Rice Industry and Their Role in National Food Security at HPPNK 2025
KOTA KINABALU, 31 July 2025 – Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) is calling on Malaysians to step into the heart of the nation’s rice industry at the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day (HPPNK) 2025, and see first-hand how rice - a staple on every table, is part of a bigger story of food security, farmer empowerment and national resilience.
At this year’s HPPNK at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), BERNAS invites visitors to its interactive booth to explore how rice is grown, how farmers are supported, and how every Malaysian plays a role in protecting our national food supply.
As the government’s strategic partner in food security, BERNAS is not just managing rice imports but also helping transform the local paddy industry through innovation, investment, and close engagement with farming communities.
“Food security begins with awareness. When people understand what goes into producing a bowl of rice, they will value it more and that creates national resilience,” BERNAS said in a statement today.
A key highlights this year is the success of the SMART Large-Scale Paddy Field (SMART SBB) Programme, Ala Sekinchan Model in Kota Belud, launched in 2022 in close collaboration with state and federal agencies.
In the first season of 2025, Kampung Jawi-Jawi recorded a 21% yield increase, rising from 3.79 MT/Ha to 4.59 MT/Ha and this directly improving farmer income and strengthening Sabah’s domestic rice production.
Now expanded to 10 locations across Kota Belud, the programme engages over 80 active farmers, combining modern practices, training, financial support and mechanisation to transform traditional farming and uplift rural livelihoods.
Visitors to the BERNAS booth can look forward to a variety of fun and engaging activities for all ages, including a unique Rice Sensory Experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of Malaysian rice varieties, and a “Guess the Weight of Rice” contest, where two lucky winners will receive a year’s supply of rice.
Visit BERNAS at Level 4, Sipadan Convention Hall, during HPPNK 2025 from 1 to 3 August at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu.
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.