Sabah’s Rice Supply Stable No Need for Panic Buying

18 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Rice supply in Sabah is sufficient, so the public should not panic-buy, despite reports of stock shortages in some rural areas.

Sabah’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, explained that, to date, the state’s rice reserves (stockpile) can meet the needs of residents for up to six months.

“When combined with trade stocks, wholesale inventories, and local rice supplies, the total rice stock in Sabah can last for up to nine months,” he stated in a press release today.

Jamawi emphasised that the State Government is continuously monitoring essential food supplies and advised the public to remain calm.

He added that directives have been issued for the prompt distribution of affordable imported white rice (BPI) in large quantities to Keningau, Sook, Tenom, Kemabong, and Sipitang.

“Hopefully, the rice supply will return to normal soon. I urge everyone to avoid panic buying,” he stated.

Earlier this morning, the General Manager of the Sabah Rice and Padi Board, Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin, accompanied by BERNAS Sabah officials, conducted a stock check at the Kolombong Storage Centre.

Their inspection confirmed that rice supplies are stable and adequate.

Today’s early observations showed rice is now being distributed at various shops in Tenom, Kemabong, Sook, and Keningau.

In Tenom alone, 53 tonnes of rice have entered the market through BERNAS distributor sent 30 tonnes via PPK Tenom and 23 tonnes through Sazarice.

Overall, based on the movement of rice stocks into Tenom, supplies are deemed sufficient, with all wholesalers contributing by delivering stock to multiple stores around the district.

Further inspections also indicated that panic buying has subsided and the situation is now under control.

The monthly requirement is approximately 470 metric tonnes, with an estimated daily need of 16 tonnes. Today, over 70 tonnes — 15% of the daily requirement — has already been delivered, exceeding the daily average.