MALAY rice millers are complaining that they are unable to get rice supply to be repacked and resold to retailers.

Malay Rice Millers’ Association of Malaysia president Mohamad Termizi Yop said they want to know where is the stockpile kept and how distribution network is set up.

“Our members have failed to get any supply from Bernas. Even officials at the agriculture ministry seem to be unaware of where the stocks are kept and how they are distributed,” he said in a statement today.

“We want the government to undertake a proper audit of the rice stock and record the locations of where the stockpiles are kept.

“This is to ensure the rice is distributed fairly to all millers and dealers to ensure supply is adequate in all areas.”

The association has also urged Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) not to ignore them from the national rice distribution network by only working with Bernas-related companies.

He added that Bernas had instructed its affiliated rice millers in Terengganu and Kelantan to just distribute to wholesalers in the two states, not elsewhere.

“What about other states that need rice? Bernas is not being responsible during a time when the country is facing a shortage during the movement control order.”

He also said in Perak, Malay millers have been told by Bernas that there are no stocks available.

“What is the government’s action in helping millers get stocks during this time?”

The association has a running battle with Bernas as they are forced to deal with the firm’s monopoly.

Yesterday, Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Ronald Kiandee said there was enough rice supply to cater to local consumption, in a bid to allay public fear of shortage caused by Covid-19’s restrictions.

Kiandee said there were 523,000 metric tonnes of rice at various levels – from millers to wholesalers and retailers.

“This does not include locally produced and imported rice stocks in the country,” he said in a statement.

He said this to dispute news reports the total rice stock in the country would only last for 2.5 months.

The minister also said Bernas has been instructed by the government to ensure there is sufficient supply in the country, and if need be, increase imports.

He said he would continue to monitor and ensure that the local rice supply remained adequate to cater to the 200,000 metric tonnes of monthly need.

Malaysians had resorted to panic buying even before the movement control order was enforced to stock up on essential items, including rice. – March 30, 2020.