Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) has announced a price reduction for imported white rice (BPI), aligning with the government’s efforts to alleviate the cost of living for Malaysians.

Effective 1 December 2024, the price of BPI at BERNAS warehouse gates in Peninsular Malaysia will decrease from RM3,000 to RM2,800 per metric tonne. This announcement follows the directive from the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and reflects the company’s commitment to supporting national food security.

The price adjustment is attributed to two key developments:

1. The strengthening of the Ringgit against the US Dollar.
2. The decline in global rice prices due to:
   • The lifting of export bans on non-basmati white rice.
   • The abolition of export duties by the Indian government.

This follows an earlier reduction in March 2024, when BERNAS lowered the BPI price from RM3,200 to RM3,000 per metric tonne, despite global rice prices reaching a 15-year high.

Malaysia continues to offer the most affordable imported rice prices in the region. BERNAS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) and industry stakeholders, remains steadfast in ensuring product availability and supporting food security goals.

“BERNAS is committed to proactively monitoring global market conditions and making necessary adjustments to support Malaysians during these challenging times,” a spokesperson for the company stated.

The latest price reduction underscores BERNAS’ dedication to balancing affordability for consumers while maintaining its role as a key player in the nation’s food security framework.

Published Date: December 2, 2024