Sabah govt raises rice quota to 35,000 tonnes, caps purchases at two bags after panic buying
by Nancy Lai · Borneo Post OnlineTELUPID (April 10): The Sabah government has moved to increase rice supply and tighten enforcement on wholesalers in a bid to stabilise the market following panic buying.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said drastic measures are being taken, including raising the rice supply quota to 35,000 metric tonnes this month.
He said the current shortage was partly due to wholesalers failing to collect stock that had already been purchased.
“About 3,000 metric tonnes of rice that has been paid for is still sitting in Bernas warehouses because it has not been collected by wholesalers.
“I urge them to prepare the necessary logistics such as lorries to collect the rice that has been ordered. I do not want this to become a form of sabotage by wholesalers to drive up prices,” he said when visiting Trusan Sapi padi field here recently.
Jamawi stressed there has been no increase in rice prices as subsidies remain in place.
He said his ministry is conducting audits on wholesalers suspected of hoarding or smuggling subsidised rice.
This follows supply disruptions affecting the public, as well as the failure of several wholesalers to attend questioning sessions.
“We suspect certain wholesalers are involved, which is why audits are being carried out to obtain evidence. If found guilty, they can face a minimum fine of RM50,000 as well as imprisonment,” he stressed.
Jamawi added that firm enforcement action would be taken without compromise as the issue directly impacts the livelihoods of Sabahans.
As an additional control measure, he said the government has also limited purchases to two bags of rice per individual.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the state’s rice reserves remain sufficient for at least six months.
He also reminded traders not to take advantage of government subsidies, especially amid rising rice prices in neighbouring countries due to global challenges.
“Enforcement efforts will continue to be strengthened to ensure food supply stability across Sabah,” he said.