LABUAN — Supplies of controlled goods, including white rice, remain sufficient and stable in Labuan despite temporary shortages on supermarket shelves caused by panic buying, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) said on today.
The assurance followed a supply monitoring operation led by Labuan KPDN Director Junaidah Arbain, accompanied by State Chief Enforcement Officer Amiluddin Malang and the ministry’s enforcement team at several major wholesalers and key supermarkets around the island.
“Our monitoring found that supplies of controlled goods, including white rice, remain sufficient and stable at the wholesale level to meet the needs of consumers in Labuan,” she said.
The inspection was carried out to ensure adequate market supplies and compliance with laws governing controlled goods and pricing.
According to Junaidah, the temporary shortage at the retail level was caused by panic buying following inaccurate information that had spread on social media recently.
“The shortage seen on supermarket shelves is only temporary and resulted from a sudden increase in demand due to panic buying. The next scheduled shipment from Sabah is proceeding as usual without any delay,” she said.
Although rice supply regulation falls under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), she said KPDN would continue monitoring the market to prevent any unreasonable price hikes or profiteering linked to supply concerns.
“Consumers are advised not to panic because essential supplies, including rice, are adequate. We encourage the public to purchase according to their actual needs to help maintain supply stability,” she added.
She said complaints regarding rice supply should be directed to KPKM or the relevant state paddy and rice regulatory office.
However, cases involving unreasonable price increases or suspected profiteering can be reported through KPDN’s official channels for investigation under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723).
