Selangor agency can restock rice supply within 24 hours, says MB

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari today reassured that any rice supply shortage in areas across the state can be resolved within 24 hours of lodging a report to the agency in charge.

In his speech at an appreciation ceremony for Selangor Agricultural Department Corporation staff, Amirudin said any shortage in local rice supply could be attributed to acts of "panic buying" among consumers.

"I would like to say, if there is a supply problem, sometimes it happens because of panic buying.

"I was informed there are certain supermarkets that usually can make do with 1,000kg of rice supply. But because of panic buying, the same stock can finish in three days," he said.

"This is what led to the empty shelves, including in major supermarkets.

"So, we have announced that those facing shortages can contact Kawal Selia Padi dan Beras Negeri Selangor at the agency's hotline. They gave a guarantee that in 24 hours, the racks will be filled," said Amirudin.

The function held at Wisma PKPS in Shah Alam today also marked one year since the launch of Selangor state government's "Jualan Ehsan Rahmah" held six days a week at a total of 2,850 locations.

Amirudin said the sale introduced at a cost of RM40 million as a form of "price intervention" for basic goods including chicken, eggs, cooking oil and rice will be restructured and continued next year, targeting the most needy in Selangor.

Present were PKPS CEO Mohamad Khairil bin Mohamad Razi, Selangor exco in charge of infrastructure, public amenities and agricultural development Izham Hashim, as well as Selangor state assembly speaker Lau Weng San.

Speaking to reporters, Amirudin reiterated that there will be no shortage of local rice supply in Selangor with over 20,000 metric tonnes in stock, without touching current state reserves.

He said the current supply also does not take into account new supply from upcoming harvests by the end of this month.

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