The Malaysian Insight

RICE wholesalers have assured that there is sufficient stock following the recent panic buying that left many supermarket shelves empty of the daily staple.

They said there is sufficient supply that will see the country through the 14-day movement-control order period and beyond.

“Even if the worst is to happen and the MCO extends beyond March, Malaysia will not face a shortage of rice,” said one wholesaler.

They urged people to buy enough for their needs and not hoard, which can result in wastage if the rice rots because of pests, such as weevils.

Malaysia Rice Wholesalers’ Association president Ng Chee Len said 70% of supply is locally produced while the remaining 30% is imported.

“The rice is imported from Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia. These countries can produce plenty of stock during their harvests, so you can buy all you want.

“Local production is similarly stable. There are no natural disasters or insect swarms, so there are no problems, and everyone can relax.”

Ng said if the MCO is extended, there is enough rice supply for at least two months.

“There is no need to hoard, it will be a shame if the rice is wasted when they’re eaten by bugs,” he said.

Tiong Guan Hang (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Cheng Swee Chew agreed, saying large-scale wholesalers typically have enough reserve stock for up to three months, so there will be no shortage in the short term.

Cheng said Malaysian suppliers have thousands of tonnes of rice in reserve or even tens of thousands depending on the company’s size.

Smaller suppliers may experience shortages but that’s normal, he said.

“There may be some shortages for smaller suppliers because they only store about 10 tonnes of rice and sell about a tonne daily. Now people are buying 20 tonnes a day and it’s simply not enough. For larger suppliers, that is not a problem.”

Cheng said smaller wholesalers are also more likely to experience logistical issues due to the MCO, resulting in shortages.

“Currently, it is difficult to move rice from the north to the south. Say from Kedah to Kuala Lumpur, you need about RM80 to RM85 transport fee. But further south, such as Johor Baru, no drivers want to take the trip because there is no return cargo, so those who have not stockpiled there will face shortages.”

Cheng’s company has seen a shipment increase of between 200% and 250%, with some customers saying they have shipped out half a month’s worth of stock in the past four days.

“But I think once consumers have bought a month’s worth of rice, maybe two months, the supply chain will return to normal.”

He advises families to stock up more if there are less-able-bodied individuals but hoarding will inevitably lead to wastage.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry repeatedly told the public that there’s enough food supplies and there’s no need to hoard.

However, days into the MCO, photographs of lengthy queues at supermarkets were still popping up on social media.

Senior minister Fadillah Yusof then announced that only one person per household is allowed to go out and buy food or essentials during the MCO period. – March 23, 2020.