KOTA KINABALU: The rice supply in Sabah remains adequate and is at a safe level, despite reports of shortages in several districts of the state in recent times.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, stated that the current rice stock in Sabah is capable of meeting the needs of the people of Sabah.
He noted that this amount becomes more stable when combined with trade stocks, stocks held by wholesalers, and the local rice supply available at this time.
“When combined with trade stocks, wholesaler stocks, and local rice supplies, the total rice supply in Sabah can last for up to nine months,” he said in a statement today.
He made these remarks when asked to comment on the issue of rice shortages reported in several districts of the state.
Jamawi mentioned that his department has contacted Bernas Negeri Sabah, which is responsible for managing and distributing rice supplies in the state, to obtain clarification regarding the situation.
According to him, Bernas has informed that the rice supply is actually sufficient and that the shortages occurring in some districts are only temporary.
“The rice supply for certain districts experiencing shortages is currently in the process of being delivered by suppliers appointed by Bernas,” he said.
In this regard, he urged the public not to panic as the government is continuously monitoring the situation of basic food supplies in the state.
At the same time, Jamawi stated that his ministry has taken proactive steps early on to increase rice and paddy production in Sabah.
He mentioned that a stakeholder engagement session was held in the paddy cultivation area of Terusan Sapi last February to examine efforts to enhance paddy production in the area.
