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Corporate
Overview

Supporting Malaysia’s Food Security Journey

Since 1994, BERNAS has played an important role in supporting the stability, resilience, and sustainability of Malaysia’s rice ecosystem, helping ensure the nation’s staple food remains available for generations to come.

How the Rice Ecosystem Works

From paddy fields to Malaysian households, a stable rice supply depends on every part of the ecosystem working together, from production and processing to supply readiness, distribution, and retail availability.
PADDY FARMERS
Growing Malaysia's staple food
MILLING & PROCESSING
Transforming harvested paddy into rice
SUPPLY READINESS
Stockpile management and import planning
DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
Moving rice across the country
RETAIL AVAILABILITY
Making rice accessible to communities
MALAYSIAN HOUSEHOLDS
Supporting everyday food security
BERNAS helps support this ecosystem by strengthening supply readiness, facilitating coordination across stakeholders and contributing to the long-term resilience of Malaysia's rice supply.

Our Role in Malaysia’s Rice Ecosystem

Food security depends on more than food production alone. It requires a stable and connected ecosystem that can support supply continuity, industry resilience and long-term sustainability.

Since its establishment in 1994 following the corporatisation of Lembaga Padi Negara (LPN), BERNAS has evolved alongside the industry and stakeholders it serves. Working with farmers, millers, distributors, strategic partners and Government agencies, BERNAS supports a connected rice ecosystem that contributes to supply stability and strengthens Malaysia’s broader food security agenda.

Vision

To be a trusted partner in strengthening and supporting a sustainable food ecosystem for Malaysia.

Mission

To support supply continuity, enhance sector resilience and work closely with stakeholders across Malaysia's food ecosystem.

What Drives Us

Nourishing the Nation reflects our commitment to supporting Malaysia’s food security by helping maintain a stable, resilient, and sustainable rice ecosystem. It represents our responsibility to the people, communities, and stakeholders who rely on rice as an essential part of daily life.

Our Journey

Malaysia's food security journey has evolved through decades of collective effort, shaped by changing global conditions, industry transformation, and the need to ensure a reliable supply of the nation's staple food.

From early stockpile measures to strengthening industry capabilities and supporting supply stability, each milestone reflects a continued commitment to a resilient and sustainable rice ecosystem.

1930

1967

1972

1974

1980

1994

1997

2004

2008

2011

2014

2020

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2025

Foundations of National Rice Security

Following rice shortages during and after World War II, the Rice Stockpile Scheme and Guaranteed Minimum Price policy were introduced in 1949 to help safeguard supply and encourage paddy production.

These early measures laid the foundation for Malaysia's long-term efforts to strengthen food security and support the local rice industry.

Towards a More Coordinated Rice Industry

The Paddy and Rice Marketing Board was established under FAMA in 1967. Its responsibilities were later consolidated with other government rice operations under the National Paddy and Rice Board (LPN), creating a more coordinated approach to managing Malaysia's paddy and rice sector.

World Food
Crisis

Global harvest disruptions led to rice shortages and sharp price increases around the world.

For many Malaysian families, access to a staple food suddenly became uncertain, highlighting the importance of strengthening national food security measures and ensuring greater supply resilience.

Strengthening National Supply Management

In response to the lessons of the 1972 crisis, LPN assumed responsibility for rice importation and became Malaysia's sole rice importer.

This strengthened national coordination in managing rice supply and helped improve preparedness against future supply disruptions.

Supporting
Paddy Farmers

The introduction of the Paddy Price Subsidy Scheme helped improve farmers' income while greater mechanisation enhanced productivity and harvesting efficiency.

These initiatives reflected the growing recognition that strengthening farmer livelihoods is fundamental to a resilient rice ecosystem.

The Formation
of BERNAS

LPN was corporatised as Syarikat Padiberas Nasional Berhad on 7 July 1994 and renamed Padiberas Nasional Berhad on 30 March 1995.

BERNAS was subsequently privatised on 12 January 1996, marking a new chapter in supporting Malaysia's rice ecosystem and contributing to the nation's food security agenda.

Stability Through Economic Uncertainty

BERNAS was listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange on 25 August 1997.

During the regional financial crisis of 1997-1998, BERNAS continued managing rice imports and supporting domestic supply stability, helping ensure continued availability of a staple food during a period of economic uncertainty.

Strengthening the Industry and Communities

BERNAS expanded its efforts to support industry development through sustainable rice processing, support for Bumiputera millers, and increased operational and storage capabilities.

At the same time, initiatives focusing on consumer education, farmer welfare, and community development reflected a broader commitment to strengthening the ecosystem beyond supply management alone.

Reinforcing Stability and Productivity

Amid global rice price volatility, BERNAS helped maintain domestic market stability following the introduction of the Government Subsidised Rice (GSR) scheme.

BERNAS also expanded programmes supporting farmers and Bumiputera millers, participated in the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), and contributed to initiatives aimed at improving paddy productivity and strengthening industry resilience.

Advancing Sustainable Agriculture

BERNAS supported large-scale paddy cultivation initiatives in Kedah and Sarawak through EPP10 and EPP11, contributing to efforts to enhance local production capacity.

The adoption of the Hot Water Generator (HWG) also reflected growing emphasis on more sustainable operational practices within the rice industry.

A New Corporate Chapter

On 18 April 2014, BERNAS was delisted from the Main Market of Bursa Securities.

The milestone marked another stage in the organisation's evolution as it continued supporting Malaysia's rice ecosystem and food security objectives.

Supporting Food Security Through a National Crisis

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted economies and supply chains worldwide, food security became an increasingly important national priority. The paddy and rice industry was designated as a critical sector, ensuring continuity across the rice ecosystem and safeguarding access to Malaysia's staple food during an unprecedented period of uncertainty.

Expanding Access Through Affordable Rice Initiatives

The RUJI rice initiative was introduced through the BERNAS Bumiputera Wholesaler Programme, helping improve access to quality imported rice for B40 communities, particularly those affected by the economic impact of the pandemic.

The initiative reflected a broader commitment to ensuring essential food supplies remained accessible to communities during challenging times.

Strengthening Bumiputera Participation in the Rice Industry

BERNAS continued supporting the development of Bumiputera wholesalers through the Bumiputera Wholesaler Programme, providing business development initiatives and purchase rebates aimed at enhancing competitiveness and strengthening participation within Malaysia's rice industry.

The programme contributes to a more inclusive and resilient industry ecosystem while supporting the long-term sustainability of local supply networks.

Enhancing Support for Farmers

Recognising rising production costs faced by farmers, the Paddy Price Subsidy Scheme (SSHP) was increased to RM360 per metric tonne.

The enhancement reinforced ongoing efforts to support farmer livelihoods and maintain the sustainability of local paddy production.

Advancing Farmer Welfare and Industry Sustainability

Several significant measures were introduced to strengthen support for farmers and the broader rice ecosystem.

The Paddy Price Subsidy Scheme (SSHP) was increased to RM500 per metric tonne, the largest increase in the scheme's history, while Budget MADANI 2024 allocated RM2.6 billion in subsidies and incentives for farmers and fishermen.

These measures reflected the continued importance of food security, agricultural sustainability, and farmer wellbeing within Malaysia's national agenda.

Supporting a Stronger Agricultural Foundation

The paddy floor price was revised to RM1,300 per metric tonne, helping provide stronger income support for farmers and contributing to the sustainability of local paddy production.

The adjustment formed part of broader efforts to strengthen the foundations of Malaysia's rice ecosystem and support long-term food security objectives.

Strengthening Farmer Resilience

The paddy floor price was further increased from RM1,300 to RM1,500 per metric tonne, reflecting continuing efforts to support farmers amid changing economic and production conditions.

The increase reinforced the role of farmers as a critical foundation of Malaysia's food security ecosystem.

Building a More Connected and Resilient Ecosystem

Industry efforts increasingly focused on digitalisation, farmer data integration, and strengthening food security readiness.

These initiatives support a more connected ecosystem, improved programme delivery, and stronger coordination across the rice supply chain, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of Malaysia's food security framework.