PUTRAJAYA’S special committee to study Bernas’ monopoly of the rice industry will present its findings and recommendations to the cabinet in August, said Salahuddin Ayub.

The agriculture and agro-based industry minister said the committee would come with a new model that should improve pricing of the staple.

“Bernas has a concession that ends in 2021, so we will have to look into that again first,” he said at the Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang Tower today.

The monopoly of the Syed Mokhtar al-Bukhary-owned Bernas on rice imports will be studied by the committee set up by Putrajaya to look at monopolies in four government entities.

The committee is chaired by Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali.

Salahuddin said the committee studying the matter comprises the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry, Transport Ministry, and Health Ministry.

“The committee will be carrying out workshops and studies on how they will introduce the new model.”

Salahuddin also said that it had urged the National Agriculture Advisory Council (NAAC) and the Selangor Agricultural Department to come up with proposals for the new model.

NAAC was set up early this month to help the government raise the levels of national food security and agricultural exports.

Salahuddin said that Bernas was also welcomed to submit proposals for the new model.

“We cannot take an unfair approach. Bernas can also come up with the proposals.

“There must be representation from all parties. The new model is open to all players.

“Azmin will soon be meeting all the committee members.”

He also said that the objective of the committee and the new model was to bring down the price of rice.

“Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has agreed that looking into Bernas again is crucial to the country and the people.

“The committee is expected to complete their study by the middle of July.” – June 21, 2018.