SHAH ALAM: Quality, food security and reliability of the paddy and rice supply chain will be the focus of a collaboration between Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) and the Department of Chemistry (Kimia Malaysia)
Bernas, a key player in Malaysia’s rice industry, has signed a cooperation note with Kimia Malaysia to jointly conduct inter-laboratory comparisons (ILCs) and proficiency testing for rice grading.
In its press release, it said the initiative is the first of its kind in Malaysia, as there is currently no other inter laboratory comparison testing programme specifically designed for rice grading.
“Under the cooperation note, Bernas will support Kimia Malaysia in developing methodologies, conducting analytical exercises on rice samples, and addressing issues related to rice analysis for inter-laboratory comparison testing and improving proficiency testing for rice analysis.
“We welcome this collaboration between Bernas and Kimia Malaysia for the inaugural ILCs and proficiency testing for rice grading.
“We believe this initiative will be a game-changer for the paddy and rice industry, positively impacting the quality, food security, and reliability of the paddy and rice supply chain in the long run.
“This partnership not only aligns with the government’s aspirations to elevate Malaysia as a high-technology nation driven by science, technology and innovation (STI) but also supports its food security agenda and enhances the competitiveness of Malaysia’s rice industry. We anticipate the positive outcomes of this collaboration and look forward to greater participation from other laboratories in the country in the near future,” it said.
Bernas added that it stands ready to leverage its extensive experience and, as one of the custodians for Malaysia’s rice industry, is committed to collaborating with all government agencies and industry players to uphold the nation’s food security agenda.
