PUTATAN – The shortage of essential goods in certain Sabah districts is due to a temporary supply and distribution issue, said Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee.
The state agriculture and food industries minister said the problem has hit only localities where mass purchases are made for distribution to the needy.
“The bulk purchases are done by political parties and non-governmental groups for the purpose of giving food aid to the needy, so the problem happens only then and there. It is not a sign of an imminent shortage,” he told reporters during a visit to the Pasir Putih fish market and landing jetty here today.
“It is a distribution and supply issue that happens when the buying of goods in bulk happens. It is not a problem that cannot be resolved.”
The matter of goods shortages comes under the purview of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, he added.
It was reported that the ministry’s Sabah office has urged civil groups and charities against buying in bulk from retailers to prevent the issue.
There have been instances of insufficient sugar, rice and egg supply in Sandakan, Beluran, Telupid, Kinabatangan and Beluran.
Earlier, Kiandee said a total of 107,000 metric tonnes of fish were landed between January and last month, bringing in about RM643 million to the economy.
As part of essential services, the fishing and farming sectors are allowed to operate throughout the Covid-19 lockdown, he said, adding that more than 100,000 operational permits have been issued to industry players nationwide to ensure the nation’s food security.
“Although the fishing sector is faced with numerous challenges, fish supply must be kept stable, within 169,000 metric tonnes. The country consumes around 125,000 metric tonnes of fish a month.”
He also announced a RM450,000 allocation by the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) to upgrade the Pasir Putih jetty into a one-stop fish market and landing centre.
Present were state LKIM director Sundalingam Nagaiah and Kota Kinabalu Fishing Association chairman Datuk Arsit Sedi. – The Vibes, July 18, 2021
