Kota Kinabalu: The public is urged to avoid panic buying as rice supply in Sabah remains sufficient and under strict monitoring by the authorities.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said recent concerns over a possible shortage were unfounded and largely driven by the spread of unverified information, which has led to confusion and anxiety among consumers.
“Panic buying at the consumer level is worrying, but the situation is not caused by a shortage of supply. Instead, it is due to misinformation circulating among the public,” he said, after meeting Bernas Sabah operations chief Hervian Kirman and Sabah Paddy and Rice Regulatory Division deputy director Rosman Shamsul to assess the latest situation.
Chan stressed that the dissemination of rumours not only misleads the public but also risks disrupting market stability and affecting the overall supply chain.
He assured that current rice supply in Sabah is adequate and remains under control to meet the needs of the people. This assurance, he said, has been confirmed by Bernas, while the state government has stepped up monitoring across the entire distribution network to safeguard food security.
“At this point, there is enough supply to cater to daily demand, and the situation is being closely monitored to ensure it remains stable,” he added.
Chan also called on the public to practise responsible purchasing and refrain from hoarding, warning that excessive buying could strain the market and limit access for other consumers.
He emphasised the importance of relying on official information so that rice supply continues to be stable and sufficient for all Sabahans.
