KOTA KINABALU: The Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry has yet to receive any official complaints regarding the shortage of food supply in the state during the Chinese New Year season, its minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin, said.
“I have yet to receive any complaints regarding the shortage of commodities and food supply in the state. As for now, food supply is still sufficient,” the Deputy Chief Minister said at the inauguration ceremony for members of Ko-Nelayan Board of Directors at Wisma Pertanian yesterday.
In this regard, Yahya also commented on the issue regarding pork supply, whereby he asserted that he has yet to receive any official reports regarding the shortage of pork supply in the state.
He admitted that pork supply might be affected by the influx of Chinese tourists in the state who often consumed large amount of pork. However, this would not affect the supply that much, he added.
There are also plans on setting up a pig farm in Telupid to curb pork supply shortage in Sabah, Yahya said.
He also advised the public to be wise in buying food products, especially for those who are celebrating the Chinese New Year.
He reminded the public to only purchase food products that are sold at reasonable prices.
Yahya proceeded to caution the sellers to not take the opportunity with the increasing demand for food supply this festive season by marking up prices.
He cited the monsoon season as one of the possible factors that might cause sellers to take advantage and mark up their prices.
“Some of these sellers would stock up their fish supply and then they would keep it for the monsoon season, only for them to take advantage and mark up the prices,” Yahya said.
Even if the state experiences any shortage, it can always rely on imported products, Yahya added.
During the event, Yahya presented credentials to seven newly-appointed Ko-Nelayan Board of Directors.
Also present at the event was Ko-Nelayan chairman cum Banggi assemblymen Datuk Mijul Haji Unaini.