Supply of essential goods in Sabah sufficient, no panic buying seen

KOTA KINABALU: The supply of essential items in Sabah is sufficient at all levels (factories, wholesalers and retailers) and no panic buying has been seen during checks at business premises across the state.

The Sabah Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry said officers who were on the ground for inspection reported no outrageous buying activities that were recorded at 192 markets, 13 supermarkets as well as 140 groceries and mini markets statewide.

“Our office has always been monitoring the essential supply of goods like sugar, cooking oil and flour since the MCO was implemented in March last year.

“A total of 200 enforcement officers and 90 price monitoring officers across all our branches in Sabah are involved in this task.

“We will continue to ensure laws are enforced through daily checks, ” said its state director Georgie Abas in a statement on Sunday (Jan 10).

At the same time, 170 district retailers and 89 district wholesalers across Sabah are being monitored.

The status of essential items in these premises will be a benchmark for supply of essentials in the respective districts.

He said during the conditional MCO which is slated to end on Jan 14 in Sabah, the office has activated operation rooms in all branches for inquiries and complaints regarding the supply and pricing of essential goods.

“Since the supply is sufficient, we urge consumers not to resort to panic buying.

“Sellers are also reminded not to take advantage by increasing prices following the Covid-19 spread, as action can be taken against them, ” he said.