KOTA KINABALU: Rice supply in the state has stabilised, with no further reports of shops running out of stock after authorities increased supplies and carried out close checks.
Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said rice supply could last until at least September, and intervention measures kept supplies replenished.
“If there are disruptions in supply, we still have time to search for alternative sources,” he said.
He said this after a media engagement session on Friday afternoon (April 17).
Jamawi said checks at Padiberas Nasional Berhad and other supply channels showed higher stock levels.
He said some suppliers did not collect stock even after payment, and this affected market distribution.
“Last week’s report showed over 3,000 tonnes of rice paid but not yet taken by the suppliers. This affects the distribution even with enough stocks,” he said.
Jamawi said suppliers cited higher diesel costs and a shortage of drivers, and that strict action would be taken.
He said suppliers who kept stock without distributing it faced penalties, including a minimum fine of RM50,000 and jail.
He said rice production for the year had also been ordered to increase.
Jamawi asked the public not to panic buy, saying it could affect market supply stability.
