Deputy minister assures Sabah’s rice supply is stable and sufficient, dismissing hoarding claims and urging calm among the public.
KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has assured that Sabah’s rice supply remains stable and sufficient.
Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin rejected as baseless any claims of hoarding that had caused public confusion.
He called on Sabahans to remain calm and avoid panic buying. “I take seriously the viral issue regarding claims of rice stock shortages in Sabah since early April,” Chan said in a statement.
He stressed that the situation has now returned to normal following a recent panic-buying incident. The rice supply in the market is sufficient and under control, with the distribution chain operating as usual.
Chan visited a rice wholesaler and a supermarket in Kolombong yesterday to assess the situation around Kota Kinabalu. He was also briefed by the Sabah Padi and Rice Regulatory Authority on the matter.
“Through this visit, I examined current stock levels, understood supply chain management and confirmed that rice supplies remain stable and sufficient for the people’s needs,” he said.
The Federal government continues to channel a subsidy of RM350 per metric tonne of imported white rice to Sabah. This keeps the average retail price below RM31 per 10 kg, denying claims of price hikes.
Integrated intervention measures, including white rice subsidies and close monitoring, are being implemented to maintain market stability. Wholesalers have been directed to accelerate stock release from BERNAS warehouses to ensure prompt market supply.
Chan said he will continue monitoring developments to protect public welfare and prioritise food security. He urged the public to trust only official sources and ignore rumours, while practising prudent buying for the common good.
