KUNAK: Most shops and supermarkets here have run out of local and imported white rice following three days of panic buying, with only higher-priced fragrant rice still available.
Barisan Pengguna Sabah (CFOS) president Nordin Thani urged authorities to conduct immediate monitoring and a full audit of the rice supply chain, including sales transactions, to ensure fair distribution and detect any hoarding.
He also suggested possible purchase limits per customer if necessary, noting that panic buying — fuelled partly by unverified social media reports — has caused shortages in areas including Kunak, Lahad Datu and Tawau.
A supplier representative assured that new rice stocks are expected to arrive by Wednesday to meet demand.
