Rice Supply Sufficient for Up to Nine Months

15 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s rice supply remains adequate and at a safe level, despite recent reports of shortages in some districts across the state.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, said that current rice stockpiles in Sabah are capable of meeting the needs of the local population.

He explained that the total stock becomes more stable when combined with trade stocks, wholesaler holdings, and available local rice supplies.

“By combining trade stocks, wholesaler reserves, and local rice supplies, the overall rice stock in Sabah can last up to nine months,” he stated today.

He made the remarks when asked to comment on reports of rice shortages in several districts.

Jamawi said the department had contacted Bernas Sabah, which is responsible for managing and distributing rice in the state, to obtain clarification on the situation.

According to Bernas, the rice supply is actually sufficient, and the shortages in certain districts are only temporary.

“Supply to districts experiencing shortages is currently being shipped by suppliers appointed by Bernas,” he added.

He urged the public not to panic, as the government is continuously monitoring the supply of essential food items across the state.

At the same time, Jamawi said his ministry has taken proactive steps since early on to boost rice and paddy production in Sabah.

He mentioned a stakeholder engagement session held at the Terusan Sapi rice granary area last February to discuss ways to enhance rice yields.

Additionally, discussions were held with relevant parties at the Kota Belud rice granary to address issues affecting rice production in the area.

“From these discussions, we identified several areas for improvement to increase rice and paddy yields in Sabah,” he stated.

Jamawi added that the government has also secured a commitment from the Ministry of Economy for funding to open an additional 2,000 hectares of fallow paddy fields.

This new land includes locations in Kota Belud, Terusan Sapi, Telupid, Tambunan, Keningau, and Tenom.

Monitoring visits have been conducted, with Jamawi and relevant officials inspecting rice fields and irrigation systems identified as suitable for development.

The aim of these measures is to enhance the state’s self-sufficiency level in rice production in the future.

“The state government, through my ministry, will continue efforts to increase rice and paddy yields to ensure the needs of the people are always met,” he affirmed.

However, he acknowledged that Sabah still needs to rely on rice imports to meet current demand.

“Dependence on imports is unavoidable as this situation has persisted for a long time. Nevertheless, the government will continue to ensure that rice supplies in Sabah remain stable and sufficient for the people’s needs,” he concluded.