Deputy minister: Sabah rice supply stable, public urged to avoid panic buying

KOTA KINABALU (April 3): Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin has assured that rice supply in Sabah remains sufficient and under control, urging the public to stay calm and avoid panic buying.

Chan said he was briefed on the latest situation upon arriving in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday, following a meeting with Sabah Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) operations chief Hervian Kirman and the State Paddy and Rice Regulatory Division deputy director Rosman Shamsul.

Chan, who is also Kota Kinabalu MP, acknowledged that recent panic buying among consumers was worrying, but stressed that the situation was not due to any actual shortage of rice.

“Such behaviour is driven by the spread of unverified information, which has caused confusion among the public,” he said in a statement on Friday.

Chan warned that the spread of rumours not only misleads consumers but could also disrupt market stability if left unchecked.

He reiterated that current rice supply levels in Sabah are adequate to meet demand, a position confirmed by Bernas.

At the same time, the state government has stepped up monitoring across the distribution chain to ensure continued food security and availability.

Chan called on the public to refrain from excessive purchasing or hoarding, noting that such actions could strain the market and limit access for other consumers.

“Remain calm, spend wisely and trust official information,” he said, adding that public cooperation is crucial to maintaining a stable and sufficient supply of rice for all in Sabah.