KUNAK: After several days of rice supplies being exhausted in the market here, the situation recovered on Thursday when suppliers were able to deliver local/imported white rice to business premises, including supermarkets and grocery stores.
The outlets had previously run out of stock due to panic and excessive buying by consumers.
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The supply shortage was triggered by the spread of fake news on social media, including Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as links to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, resulting in some consumers buying seven to 10 bags of rice, far exceeding their current needs. The panic buying also affected several nasi lemak vendors here, who had been unable to obtain rice supplies since last Sunday.
A Daily Express survey on Friday found that two supermarkets in Kunak town are now the focal point for consumers seeking white rice supplies.
Supermarkets and grocery stores are also limiting sales to just 20kgm, or the equivalent of two 10kg bags of local/imported white rice; however, consumers can still purchase fragrant rice, which is being sold without any purchase limits.
On Thursday, State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaffar said the Ministry has set a purchase limit of only two bags of rice per individual. This step was taken after the Ministry discovered panic buying and over-purchasing among consumers despite supplies being sufficient.
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The Ministry has also summoned all relevant agencies, including enforcement authorities, wholesalers and retailers to address the issue comprehensively.
Meanwhile, in SANDAKAN, rice supply remains sufficient for the daily needs of consumers. Padi and Rice Regulatory (KPB) Sandakan Branch Head Azwan Amir advised all consumers not to engage in panic buying.
He said rice prices also remain the same. “They are controlled and have not risen above the current fixed prices,” he said in a statement, Friday.
The public are also advised to lodge a report if there are complaints regarding rice supply in the district directly to the Sandakan Branch Padi and Rice Regulatory Office or via the complaint line at 089-227209.
