PAKATAN Harapan (PH) has strongly opposed the government’s decision to extend Padiberas Nasional Bhd’s (Bernas) concession as the sole company for rice imports for another 10 years, Anwar Ibrahim said. 

The PH chairman said that they will oppose any monopoly that will kill other competitors, resulting in price increases. 

“We strongly oppose the decision to award Bernas the concession. There should be an open tender. 

“We want to ensure that imports are carried out by company’s that can give returns to the rice farmers and associations,” he told reporters in Parliament today. 

Yesterday, the government said they won’t back down on its decision to extend Bernas concession. 

Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Ronald Kiandee said the decision to allow the firm to have sole prerogative on the rice import industry until January 2031 is final. 

He told the Dewan Rakyat that they will be seen as an irresponsible government if they sign a 10-year contract and then decide to cancel it. 

“The question of monopoly is one of the factors that was discussed in detail in the cabinet previously.

“However, in the end, the cabinet and government decided to extend Bernas’ contract.”

Anwar said that based on reports, the company raked in RM1.2 billion in 2018, RM1.3 billion (2019) and RM798 million in 2020. 

“The shareholders also received a dividend of RM670 million. But with this monopoly all the returns are going to the company.”

The Port Dickson MP said currently there are 150,000 farmers who are from the hardcore poor category. 

“Rice farmers from all over the country should be allowed to get some equity. The profits (from Bernas) are huge and can benefit them directly.”

Anwar said that Bernas has to answer how they are going to distribute the profits to the padi farmers and associations. 

The government had previously agreed to extend the concession for a period of 10 years beginning January 11, 2021 till January 10, 2031.

The Control of Padi and Rice (Amendment) Bill 2022 was passed yesterday. – July 20, 2022.