KUALA LUMPUR – Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) has agreed to share 30% of its net profits from rice imports with padi farmers, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
During his tabling of the revised Budget 2023 in Parliament today, Anwar expressed his appreciation to the company for its willingness to contribute part of its funds to aid impoverished rice farmers.
“I would once again like to say thank you to Bernas for channelling parts of its profits to low-income rice farmers.
“Besides the RM60 million (provided to farmers), Bernas will contribute 30% of its net profits from rice imports to padi farmers,” said Anwar, who is also finance minister.
On December 5 last year, Anwar had pledged RM60 million in assistance for rice farmers nationwide as part of initial measures to dismantle Bernas’ longstanding monopoly of the rice industry.
He had also assured that his government will no longer allow the monopoly of the industry by certain figures who prey on small-time players.
RM10 million of the financial aid was scheduled to be distributed in stages by January 16, beginning with those in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang while the other RM50 million will be supplied to rice farmers in other states at a later time. – The Vibes, February 23, 2023
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