Azlan Othman

Sabah is looking to export its vegetables to Brunei Darussalam to manage the excess under the movement control order (MCO).

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie bin Apdal said there was an oversupply of vegetables and fish in the state which could be sent to Brunei, Malaysian newspapers reported.

“Brunei has communicated with us and they are facing a shortage of fish and vegetables there. I’ve spoken to Wisma Putra and told them that rather than leave the produce to waste, we should send it over to Brunei,” he said at a session at the State Assembly sitting yesterday.

He said he was aware of the imbalance of demand and supply for perishable goods in the market due to the MCO and his ministry had taken various steps to address it.

“We are trying to channel the excess supply from Kundasang and Ranau to several places with shortage. I have asked the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry to engage with supermarkets and hypermarkets,” he said.

Dato Seri Mohd Shafie said the challenge was to manage the supply and distribution system and address the supply and demand.

“We don’t want to encourage farmers to keep planting at normal rate, whether for domestic use or export. We know they will be affected by lack of income so we will offer some aid.

“When the restriction is lifted, we will offer loans with zero interest to encourage them to start planting again. But for now there is a glut,” he said.

The Senallang state assemblyman said they would also try to find agencies to move the supply to retailers.