Kota Kinabalu: Effective July 29, each family is only allowed two kilogrammes of sugar for each purchase.
State Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said this is to prevent panic buying among the consumers.
She advised consumers to disregard rumours of sugar shortage saying that supply is adequate.
She said the recent shortage was caused by the delay of the ship that was supposed to transport the commodity to Sabah. The ship concerned would not budge from the port until it was laden with other consignments thus the reason for the delay and subsequent shortage of the commodity.
During the meeting, she and six major sugar suppliers - Kiat Hong, Chui Thai Seng, Tong Hing, Ta Kiong, Hiap Fong discussed what steps to take to so that supply of the commodity would be adequate especially during Hari Raya.
According to her, consumers in Papar, Kundasang, Ranau, Kota Kinabalu and Beaufort will receive their supply this Saturday from supplier Chui Thai Seng.
"Hiap Fong has received 121 metric tonnes and would be distributed to shopkeepers around KKIP and consumers in Tuaran and Tamparuli today (Thursday)," she said.
As for Giant supermarket, consumers would be able to purchase sugar there starting Aug 6.