Negotiations are still needed to sort out the issue of Bernas’s rice monopoly, says Anwar Ibrahim.

Ameer Ali Mydin had said yesterday the national rice manager’s stranglehold on rice supply has made it less affordable for the consumer.

SEPANG: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says rice imports are under control and follow international market prices.

He was asked to comment on whether Padiberas Nasional Bhd’s (Bernas) monopoly on rice imports is why the price is high for local consumers.

“I can’t ascertain that… the issue of the rice monopoly was decided and the agreement was signed for a period of 10 years, so we have to negotiate.

“So far, we are certain that rice imports are under control and follow international prices,” he said, adding that the government might look into the matter.

Yesterday, Mydin managing director Ameer Ali Mydin said the national rice manager’s stranglehold on rice supply has made it less affordable for consumers.

Ameer lamented that the cost of a 10kg bag is RM32 but Bernas marks up RM6, causing Mydin to purchase the rice for RM38 and shifting the cost to consumers.

He called for the government to dismantle Bernas’s monopoly and allow the price to be determined by market forces.

Published Date: October 27, 2023