Malaysia To Liberalize 30% Rice Supply Chain Next Year To End Bernas’ Monopoly-Minister

© Nikkei Markets

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 17) — Malaysia plans to liberalize next year 30% of the rice supply chain that will be the first step to break the monopoly of Padiberas Nasional Bhd, or Bernas, the federal agriculture minister said Wednesday. 

“This is a soft landing strategy so that we can end the monopoly by 2021,” Salahuddin Ayub said in parliament. 

According to a concession agreement Bernas remains the sole importer and supplier of rice until 2021. 

– By Gan Pei Ling
– Edited By Abhrajit Gangopadhyay