Rice Supply Quota Increased, Wholesaler Audits Tightened

10 April 2026

TELUPID: Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) Datuk Jamawi Jaafar has called for drastic measures, including raising the rice supply quota to 35,000 metric tonnes this month, to stabilise the market following panic buying in Sabah.

Jamawi said the current shortages partly stem from wholesalers' failure to collect purchased stocks.

Approximately 3,000 metric tonnes of paid-for rice remain uncollected at Bernas warehouses.

"I urge them to arrange logistics, such as lorries, to collect the reserved rice. I do not want this to become a form of sabotage by wholesalers to drive up prices.

"In reality, there is no price increase because subsidies remain unchanged," he said.

Meanwhile, MAFFI is conducting audits on suspected wholesalers hoarding or smuggling subsidised rice.

Jamawi noted that these actions follow supply disruptions affecting the public and no-shows by some wholesalers at inquiry sessions.

He stressed that any licence holders found guilty will face stern action.

"We suspect certain wholesalers are involved, so audits are underway to gather evidence. If convicted, they could face a minimum fine of RM50,000 and imprisonment.

"We will enforce this without compromise because it affects the lives of Sabah's people," he added.

Additionally, the government has limited purchases to two 10kg bags of rice per individual to manage supply.

Datuk Jamawi made these remarks when met at the Trusan Sapi paddy field here yesterday. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring the state's rice reserves suffice for at least six months.

He also warned traders against exploiting government subsidies, especially amid rising rice prices in neighbouring countries due to the global crisis. Enforcement efforts will be intensified to guarantee food supply stability across Sabah.