Technical committee formed to study Bernas monopoly

KUALA LUMPUR: The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry and eight other ministries have formed a technical committee to study Syarikat Padiberas Nasional Berhad's (Bernas) monopoly over the country's rice supply.
Its minister, Datuk Salahuddin Ayub, said the committee is expected to present a working paper in September on the matter.
He added the committee will also discuss a new model to be implemented.
The committee is chaired by the Economic Affairs Ministry, and others are from Health, Finance, International Trade and Industry, Entrepreneur Development, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, and Transport.
He was speaking to the press after attending a briefing session organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) at its headquarters here today.
Present also was Deputy Minister Sim Tze Tzin.
Prior to this, Salahuddin was reported to have said that ending Bernas' monopoly on rice supply would lead to a more open market and healthy competition.
On another matter, Salahuddin said Fama is expected to formulate a plan for its first hypermarket in Shah Alam by year-end.
He said the location is seen to be strategic given the potential attraction for residents there.
He added other discussions included moving Fama's current headquarters to Kelana Jaya.