THE government has not withdrawn or revoked the concession agreement with Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), signed for a 10-year period from January 11, 2021 to January 10, 2031, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said in a statement today.

Refuting viral claims the concession deal has been revoked, the ministry said a complaint had been lodged with the Communications and Multimedia Commission to allow a thorough investigation to be carried out.

“The ministry advises the public not to believe the fake news and to stop the spread of the misleading information,” read the statement.

On December 3, 2020, the government announced the extension of Bernas’ concession for rice distribution in the country for another 10 years from January 11, 2021, after the earlier agreement expired on January 10, 2021.

With the extension, the concession was improved with several new terms, which included an increase in the number of social obligations from five to 10, among them, managing a stockpile, purchasing padi at a guaranteed minimum price decided by the government, acting as the buyer of last resort as well as managing the disbursement of subsidies to farmers. 

On claims over the lack of enforcement, the ministry said the Local White Rice Integrated Operation was ongoing and so far two factories have been sealed and were being investigated under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).

The operation first conducted on August 16 was led by deputy minister Chan Foong Hin.

The operation focuses on inspecting and enforcing regulations on commercial rice mills and rice wholesalers. It was mounted in collaboration with various agencies including the Enforcement Division of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the police. – Bernama, October 12, 2023.