KOTA KINABALU: The shortage of local rice supply in Sabah is attributed to low production, according to Ab Alim Multazam, director of the state Padi and Rice Regulatory Board.
Alim mentioned that local production only accounts for 23% of the self-sufficiency level (SSL) in Sabah.
Based on data from the Padi Price Subsidy Scheme (SSHP) in Sabah, around 30,570 metric tonnes of local rice were produced in 2022. However, only 18,755 metric tonnes were processed in 20 factories during the first eight months of this year.
The current monthly production is approximately 1,401 metric tonnes, which falls short of the estimated requirement of 23,000 metric tonnes per month for a population of 3.4 million.
“It is insufficient,” Alim stated while explaining the reasons behind the scarcity of local rice in the market.
This shortage of local rice supply is not a recent occurrence; consumers previously preferred to purchase imported rice as it was comparatively cheaper.
Nevertheless, due to the recent surge in prices of imported white rice, there is now an increasing demand for local rice.
Alim added that low local rice production and high operating costs have also contributed to the elevated prices of local rice.
“Our agency is responsible for price monitoring, but we do not have control over it,” Alim commented.
“If it were controlled, all the factories would not purchase local rice, resulting in another problem, especially for rice operators in the state,” he further explained.
The government has identified 50,000 hectares of land in Sabah and Sarawak for padi planting under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
In addition, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has plans for a large-scale program to plant rice paddies in Sabah, aiming to fulfill the local rice supplies in the state.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
