KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has sufficient rice supply and there is no need for panic buying, says state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
He said current stock levels are stable and can last at least until September, following checks with the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board, and Bernas.
“The supply of rice is stable and sufficient. There is no need for panic buying,” he said.
He said he has met up with the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board general manager, Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin, and Sabah Bernas officials to monitor the supply at its Kolombong reserve centre.
Jamawi said the authorities are taking immediate steps to address distribution gaps, including sending large quantities of affordable rice to Keningau, Sook, Tenom, Kemabong and Sipitang.
The assurance comes amid reports of panic buying in parts of the state, particularly in interior districts such as Keningau and Tenom, where videos of people stockpiling rice have been circulating in recent days.
On Tuesday, the National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (YPNM) called for urgent action over shortages of subsidised and affordable rice in several districts.
Its Sabah chairman, David Chan, said the group had received numerous complaints, including from Kota Kinabalu, describing the situation as concerning and financially burdensome for households already coping with rising living costs.
“This situation is highly concerning, as rice is a basic staple food for people, especially among low-income groups that rely heavily on subsidised supplies for their daily needs.
“The shortage has caused inconvenience and increased financial strain on households already facing rising living costs and economic uncertainty,” he said.
Earlier, Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan also highlighted supply issues in Keningau and surrounding areas, urging swift government intervention.
He said the government needs to act immediately to address the problem.
Jamawi reiterated that supply is being closely monitored and expressed hope that distribution will normalise soon.
