the national paddy and rice overseer Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) always has the well-being of Malaysians in its heart, more so during the Ramadan month.
Hence, Bernas is fostering stronger bonds with local communities via its “Gema Ramadan”, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative that was launched with a “Buka Puasa Sungkai” programme.
The event, attended by Bernas chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, brought together volunteers and mosque committee members who cooked and distributed 1,500 packs of bubur lambuk.
These were given out at Ramadan bazaars in Taman Sukma and the Darul Hana Mosque in Kuching, Sarawak.
Bernas also donated boxes of basic food items to 150 poverty-stricken families.
“As Malaysian Muslims break their fast, Bernas stands shoulder to shoulder with local communities, ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Rohani.
A buka puasa event was later held at the mosque to strengthen ties among 300 community members and Bernas’ management.
From Sarawak, the organisation went to Kedah where they distributed bubur lambuk to the farming community of Yan.
Over 50 underprivileged folk were also treated to raya shopping in the state capital of Alor Setar.
Rohani underscored the company’s belief in shared prosperity: “At Bernas, CSR is not a mere check box as we seek opportunities to create lasting impact.”
Another of Bernas’ notable CSR programmes was the Program Makanan Kesihatan (Promak) school lunches through which the organisation invests in the country’s youth.
Bernas also fosters sustainable agro-industry practices among local farmers via its Program Rakan Ladang, an initiative that supports livelihoods.
The organisation also recently pledged RM60mil to improve the welfare of paddy farmers nationwide and announced a price adjustment for imported white rice.