KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan wants Sabah to manage its own rice imports following the price hike for imported white rice.

       The Deputy Chief Minister said the state’s unique geographical and social landscape warranted a more tailored approach to managing the essential commodity.

       “The time has come for Sabah to break free from the constraints of a single-entity monopoly that has long shaped our local market,” said Kitingan who is also the state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister.

       “I believe this change can stimulate competition and lead to a more stable, and perhaps lower, rice prices for consumers in Sabah,” he added in a statement yesterday.

       Kitingan made the proposal as households across Sabah are concerned after Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) announced that the price of imported white rice would go up by 36%.

       He said such a significant price hike not only disrupted the stability of household budgets but also jeopardised the well-being of low-income families.

       “Bernas must be transparent in its pricing mechanisms and stock levels. The public deserves to know how prices are determined and what measures are being taken to stabilise the market,” he said, adding that Bernas should also release additional stock from their reserves as these are not just business assets.

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       “They are a public resource, especially in times of increased demand or market instability such as now. Of course all businesses want to generate profit but Bernas is dealing with an essential staple. Profit must not come at the expense of the basic needs of the people,” Kitingan said.

       According to the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry (Mafi), Sabah imported 290,000 tonnes of rice, including reserves, in 2021 but produced only 22,000 tonnes locally. Bernas announced that the price of imported white rice increased by 36% to RM3,200 from RM2,350 per tonne from Sept 1.