Single Gatekeeper Policy Crucial For National Rice Security Mohamad Sabu

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Climate change, including prolonged droughts and major floods in key rice-producing countries such as India, Thailand and Vietnam, can significantly reduce harvest yields - NSTP FILE PICKUALA LUMPUR: The single gatekeeper policy for rice importation, implemented through Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), remains vital in safeguarding the nation's rice supply, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He said the policy allows Malaysia to respond in a coordinated and strategic manner to various global challenges affecting food supply.
"The world today is facing multiple threats to food security.
"Climate change, including prolonged droughts and major floods in key rice-producing countries such as India, Thailand and Vietnam, can significantly reduce harvest yields.
"Geopolitical tensions can disrupt shipping routes and supply chains, increasing logistics costs or even halting supplies.
"Meanwhile, protectionist policies may see producing countries suddenly imposing export bans or high duties to protect their domestic needs, as India has done in the past," he said in a written parliamentary reply to a question from Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya (BN–Putatan).
Mohamad said Bernas, as the sole gatekeeper, can leverage its long-standing relationships with various supplier countries to secure rice imports on Malaysia's behalf.
"Without this single entity, smaller importing companies may lack bargaining power or the capability to source alternatives quickly, exposing Malaysia to supply disruptions or steep price hikes," he said.
He said the ministry would ensure Bernas continues to diversify its sources of imported rice to avoid over-reliance on any one country.
Current key suppliers of imported white rice include Thailand, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Myanmar and Cambodia.
"This strategy enables Bernas to adjust its purchases based on market price trends and export policies in each supplier country.
"Bernas is committed to strengthening this import strategy through active market monitoring, expanding its sourcing network, and pursuing competitive pricing negotiations," he said. - NST

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