KUALA LUMPUR: A working paper on the new model for the national rice industry following the end of Padiberas Nasional Bhd’s (Bernas) concession period in 2021, will be presented to the Cabinet by mid-July.
The bid to draw up the new model will be spearheaded by three special committees, as well as a parent body spanning five ministries, says Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Salahuddin Ayub.
The parent body, which will present the report to the Cabinet, comprises the Economic Affairs Economy, International Trade and Industry Ministry, Health Ministry, Transport Ministry, as well as the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry.
The three special committees, meanwhile, is each headed by the acting secretary-general of the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry, Datuk Mohd Sallehhuddin Hassan; National Agriculture Advisory Council chairman,
Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat; and Selangor Infrastructure and Public Amenities, Agricultural Modernisation and Agro-based Industry committee chairman, Ir Izham Ahmad.
Salahuddin said the main focus of the new model is to preserve the interests of more than 150,000 farmers and the people as consumers of the national rice production industry.
“We will summon all parties, including Bernas, so that the new model will form a comprehensive solution, not just piecemeal or in stages.
“Bernas is welcome to voice their views and suggestions before they are scrutinised by the relevant committees. We are open in our wish to tackle the monopoly of the rice industry as this involves food security.
“The farming community, which is the main focus of the working paper, can also air their views,” he told a press conference at the Menara Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang (LPP) here today.
Salahuddin said, once the working paper is tabled for Cabinet consideration, the new model is expected to be completed the earliest by August, thus creating a new system that is comprehensive.
He said, in addition, the merger of five ministries in the parent body must be implemented as the national rice supply chain touches on various jurisdictions including taxation system, logistics, import, export and hygiene quality checks to safeguard consumer safety.
“Among the main factors behind the move to devise a new model to replace the Bernas monopoly is to reduce the price of rice, but that is too soon to determine.
“We will table the working paper to the Cabinet first and see the effects of its implementation,” he said.
On another development, Salahuddin said the RM200 cost of living allowance for fishermen via Agrobank, said to have been disrupted, will be resolved soon. The money, he said, will be deposited into the recipients’ accounts from Friday (June 22).
He said the disbursement of allowance may have been caused by several factors including the government’s screening process.
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