KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 2): Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) said on Friday (Sept 1) it has raised the price of imported white rice at all its warehouses nationwide to RM3,200 per tonne, from RM2,350 per tonne, effective immediately.

The price adjustment was done in line with the latest pricing of imported white rice in the international markets, it said in a statement.

Despite the 36% increase, Bernas said Malaysia’s import prices remain the lowest among Southeast Asian countries.

“Bernas has weathered through a very challenging first half of the year, due to uncertainties of multiple external factors including climate change, weakening currency exchange rate, high operating costs and geopolitical conflicts.

“These factors collectively adversely impacted global rice trade, added with the impact of white rice export ban announced by India recently,” it said.

The company said it had absorbed the rising prices of rice imports in the last few years, but cannot avoid the price adjustment at the moment “due to current uncertainties and after taking into consideration the need to ensure industry stability and sustainable business operations”.

Concurrently, Bernas said it had taken the necessary steps to increase and ensure the resilience of the domestic rice market by ensuring quality price stability and product readiness. “This is our role as the sole gatekeeper for the nation’s rice supply,” it said.

Bernas reiterates its commitment to act as “shock absorber” to address negative impact from the uncertainties in the global rice market.

“Bernas will continue to monitor international prices and undertake the necessary adjustment when the situation returns to normal,” it said.