Kota Kinabalu: Consumer associations in Sabah saw the Federal Government’s decision to provide a subsidy of RM950 per metric tonne for imported white rice (BPI) to Sabah and Sarawak from Oct 5 as the right step in addressing the issue of rice price and supply in the State.
The President of a consumers’ association in the west coast of Sabah, Persatuan Pengguna Bijaksana Pantai Barat Sabah, David Chan, in welcoming the move, said it is also good news for consumers in the B40 group, as well as for those in the food business in Sabah as it will help to reduce their burden of the rising cost of living.
“Rice is a basic commodity for every household. The increase in the price of rice will also affect the overall cost of living.
However, the public should not speculate on the shortage to avoid confusion,” he said.