Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Paddy and Rice Regulatory Board advised consumers in the State to refrain from panic buying of rice, saying there is sufficient supply of the subsidised commodity for all.
Its Director Ab Alim Multazam said there was no problem with the supply of imported white rice (BPI) in the State.
He said the subsidised rice would reach all shops and supermarkets in the State in stages.
“Do not worry. There is enough supply of the subsidised rice. Every family should refrain from buying up to five bags of rice. Buy according to your needs. The supply of rice will be delivered in stages.
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The Government, through the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, had announced a subsidy of RM950 per tonne for BPI for Sabah and Sarawak, which took effect on Thursday.
Ab Alim also said various types and brands of subsidised rice were imported at different prices, but the rice could only be sold to consumers in the State at prices not exceeding RM31 per 10kg bag.
“The people in Sabah require about 22,000 to 23,000 tonnes of rice per month. As such, Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) cannot deliver to Sabah more than 25,000 tonnes of rice per month.
“All of this rice will be distributed by existing licensed wholesalers. It will not be given to new wholesalers to avoid potential issues including wastage.
“We will closely monitor the supply of the subsidised rice through the reports provided by Bernas,” he said.
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