No Need To Panic Buy Rice, Supply Stable Despite West Asia Tensions - Mohamad

SRI AMAN, April 9  (Bernama) -- The public has been urged not to purchase more rice than their usual monthly needs despite ongoing tensions in West Asia, as the country’s supply remains stable, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

He stressed that panic buying could create a false perception of shortages in the market, even when supply is sufficient.

“If a household consumes two packets of rice a month, then stick to that amount. Do not increase it to four or five packets, as panic buying could disrupt market supply and encourage some traders to raise prices,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference held in conjunction with the launch of the “Gelombang Padi Sarawak: SMART Sawah Berskala Besar (SMART SBB)” programme and the opening of the 2026 Batang Lupar IADA Clients’ Day here today.

Mohamad also gave the assurance that Malaysia’s rice supply remains adequate and is expected to stay stable at least until the end of the year.

“Insya Allah, there will be no issue with our rice supply at current prices until year-end. I want to emphasise once again that there is no need for panic buying,” he added.

-- BERNAMA