Sabah’s government vows stern action against hoarders of imported white rice, instructing enforcement to ensure stable supply for the state’s population.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will take stern action against any wholesaler or retailer found hoarding imported white rice.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said clear instructions have been issued to the Rice Regulatory Division for enforcement.
He stated the government views staple food security seriously and will not compromise with market manipulation.
“I am very serious about ensuring sufficient rice supply for the people of Sabah,” Jamawi said in a statement.
He confirmed instructing the division to take firm action against any party hoarding imported white rice.
Jamawi earlier chaired an engagement session with government agencies and industry players.
The session aimed to ensure rice supply remains sufficient and available across the state.
It was attended by representatives from the Sabah Padi and Rice Board and the Rice Regulatory Division.
Also present were officials from Padiberas Nasional Berhad and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
Representatives from the Sabah Ports Authority, wholesalers, retailers, and industry players also attended.
Jamawi said the session strengthened strategic cooperation to ensure a stable rice supply chain.
The meeting agreed to implement various intervention and enforcement measures immediately.
“These measures are crucial to ensure that the supply of this staple food remains sufficient for all Sabahans,” he added.
