KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) assured that the rice supply in Sabah remains stable and sufficient, while rejecting as baseless any claims of hoarding that had led to public confusion.
Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the allegations are unfounded and called on Sabahans to remain calm and not engage in panic buying.
“I take seriously the viral issue regarding claims of rice stock shortages in Sabah since early April. Following the panic-buying incident recently, I want to stress that the situation has now returned to normal.
“The rice supply in the market is sufficient and under control, and the distribution chain is operating as usual without any disruption,” he said.
Chan said he also visited a rice wholesaler and a supermarket in Kolombong, near here, on Friday to get a true picture of the situation around Kota Kinabalu and was also briefed by the Sabah Padi and Rice Regulatory Authority on the matter
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“Through this visit, I examined current stock levels, understood supply chain management and confirmed that rice supplies remain stable and sufficient for the people’s needs,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chan said the Federal Government continues to channel a subsidy of RM350 per metric tonne of imported white rice to Sabah, keeping the average retail price below RM31 per 10kg, denying claims of price hikes.
He added that integrated intervention measures, including white rice subsidies and close monitoring of the distribution chain, are being implemented to maintain market stability. Chan said wholesalers have also been directed to accelerate stock release from Bernas warehouses to ensure supplies reach the market promptly.
“I will continue monitoring developments to protect public welfare and prioritise food security.
The public should trust only official sources and ignore rumours,” he said, urging prudent buying to maintain supply stability for the common good.
