RECENTLY, a message has been making the rounds on the communication app WhatsApp claiming that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has withdrawn the rice concession licence given to Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas).
Is there any truth to this claim?
Verdict:
FALSE
The ministry denied the allegation in a statement, saying that it never withdrew the ten-year concession given to Bernas and added that it will run from Jan 11, 2021 to Jan 10, 2031.
"The concession also involves ten social obligations of Bernas, which includes preparing a national rice stockpile," it added.
It then said that a report has been lodged with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) so that the false message can be investigated.
"The ministry advises the public to not believe the false message and urges that its spread is halted," it said.
