KOTA KINABALU: The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, chaired a stakeholder engagement meeting to address the issue of rice stock in stores and supermarkets in the state here on Thursday.
This meeting was convened in response to the reported shortage of rice supply in stores that occurred last week.
According to Jamawi, his office is still receiving feedback from elected representatives in several districts regarding the situation on the ground.
“Some of my fellow representatives are still sending images and videos showing the rice shortages in the stores they visit,” he emphasized.
He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to gain a clear understanding of the current situation and to identify steps that could be taken to help resolve the issue.
“Thus, the aim of this meeting is to assess the real picture and determine how we can assist in resolving this problem,” he said.
Jamawi also informed that the Chief Minister has directed him to check and ensure that the rice supply, particularly the Stockpile, is sufficient for a period of six months.
In this regard, he mentioned that the State Cabinet has also entrusted him with ensuring food security, including the adequacy of supply and regulation of rice through the ministry’s agency, the Sabah Rice and Rice Board (LPBS).
However, he clarified that LPBS does not have enforcement authority.
“LPBS does not have the power to enforce or monitor for hoarding, smuggling, and so forth,” he said.
At the same time, he noted that BERNAS and the Regulatory Division continue to play a role in monitoring stock and related needs, while the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) enforces pricing and anti-profiteering measures.
He stated that this step is crucial to prevent rice smuggling and issues of shortages.
