KOTA KINABALU, Sabah: The Sabah Government will not hesitate to take stern action against any wholesaler or retailer found hoarding imported white rice in the state.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, said clear instructions had been issued to the Rice Regulatory Division under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to carry out enforcement actions.
He said the state government seriously viewed the issue of staple food supply security and will not compromise with any party manipulating the market.
“I am very serious about ensuring sufficient rice supply for the people of Sabah. I have instructed the KPKM Rice Regulatory Division to take firm action against any wholesaler or retailer hoarding imported white rice for any purpose,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Earlier, he chaired an engagement session involving government agencies and industry players to ensure rice supply remains sufficient and readily available across the state.
The session was attended by representatives from the Sabah Padi and Rice Board (LPBS), the KPKM Rice Regulatory Division, Padiberas Nasional Bhd (BERNAS), and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).
Also present were representatives from the Sabah Ports Authority, as well as wholesalers, retailers and industry players in the state’s rice sector.
Jamawi said the session served as an important platform to strengthen strategic cooperation among all parties to ensure a stable rice supply chain.
He said the meeting also reached an agreement to implement various intervention and enforcement measures with immediate effect.
“These measures are crucial to ensure that the supply of this staple food remains sufficient for all Sabahans,” he said. – BERNAMA
