Anwar moots sharing Bernas profits with poor rice farmers

 

PARLIAMENT | Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has proposed that profits from rice imports monopolised by Padiberas Nasional Bhd’s (Bernas) be shared with some 150,000 poor rice farmers nationwide.

Speaking to reporters in Parliament today, Anwar said the government's decision to extend Bernas' concession for another 10 years as the sole company involved in rice imports will only further enrich a select few.

"We oppose as a principle any monopoly. A monopoly will kill other competitors and result in a price increase.

"So we mentioned just now we should have an open tender.

"Number two, for the poorest farmers from Sabah to Sekinchan to Kelantan, allow them to have some equity so that the profit, which is huge, can benefit them directly," the Harapan chairperson added.

Based on reports, Anwar said Bernas raked in RM1.2 billion in 2018, RM1.3 billion in 2019 and RM798 million in 2020.

"The shareholders also received a dividend of RM670 million. But with this monopoly, all the returns are going to the company," he added.

The government had previously agreed to extend Bernas' concession for a period of 10 years beginning Jan 11, 2021, until Jan 10, 2031.

Be done with committees

Pressed further on Harapan's proposal to solve the issue of food security, Anwar reiterated Harapan's anti-monopoly stand, while at the same time dismissing the government's formation of various committees looking into the related concerns.

"Listen carefully to the PM's response on Monday. What is the solution to the problem of food security? (To form a) committee, super committee and jihad committee!

"When we have a problem we'll have a committee. When we have more problems we have a coordinating committee. When we have a serious problem we have a serious coordinating committee.

"What we need to do is overthrow those members of the committee," he said.

Among others, the committees were formed in response to rapidly rising prices of basic supplies and goods, prompting calls for public protests. - Mkini