Sabah Deputy CM: Don't panic buy or stockpile, there's enough food to last six months

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has more than enough fresh food supply from its agricultural base to meet demand during the current two-week lockdown.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (pic) said on Friday (June 4) that as such, there was no need for panic buying.

He said for example, the current supply of rice in Sabah was enough to last six months.

“Our current stock of white rice at wholesalers and retail outlets stands at 12,528 tonnes while our buffer stock stands at 49,500 tonnes. We also still have 12,528 tonnes in transit.

“This does not include fragrant rice, glutinous rice or basmati rice. On average, consumers in Sabah use 12,000 tonnes of rice per month,” said Jeffrey, who is state Agriculture and Fisheries Minister.

He also said the state had enough vegetables and fruits to last throughout the MCO period.

Three Permanent Food Production Parks in Kundasang, Putatan and Lahad Datu are also operating as usual, he added.

As for fishery products, he said the current supply exceeds demand.

According to the state's food security projections, demand for fish products last year was 176,959 tonnes while output was 202,436 tonnes.

There is also a sufficient supply of beef, buffalo meat, chicken, pork, eggs, and milk during this MCO period, Jeffrey said.

“As the one in charge of the ministry that regulates agricultural products, I want to reassure Sabah consumers that we will not run out of food.

“Therefore, there is no need for panic buying or stockpiling of essentials, particularly food items. Supplies are more than sufficient,” Jeffrey said.

Meanwhile, state Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said there will be no need for essential businesses involved in services and transport of goods to obtain International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) permits for inter-district travel.

He said they only need their employer's letter and a police permit to cross districts in the state.

He added that operations of essential goods and services come under the state government and local authorities' purview.