SABARAS SDN BHD
As of 2023, the rice Self-Sufficient Level (SSL) in the state of Sabah remains low at 22%. Rice is the staple food of the people in Sabah, with a population of approximately 3.59 million, based on the 2020 Malaysian Census. To meet the demand for rice products in Sabah, about 78% of rice supplies come from rice-exporting countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. The sole rice importer for the country, BERNAS, is responsible for importing both white rice and special rice, ensuring a consistent supply of rice within the country.
Sabaras was established on May 14, 2013, and has become one of the licensed rice wholesalers through a collaboration between the Sabah Land Development Board (LKTNS) and Malamega Sdn. Bhd., with the aim of supporting and strengthening the local market and the supply chain of imported rice products in the country.
Sabaras Sdn Bhd (SSB) was incorporated under the Companies Act 1965 by the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB). On June 7, 2017, SLDB fully took over the Sabaras Sdn. Bhd. company, led by Datuk Idrus bin Shafie as the Chairman of the company. On May 6, 2022, the Sabah Ministry of Finance under the Sabah State Government has invested 20% equity in the company. .
The main business activity of SSB is the packaging and distribution of imported rice to local wholesalers and retailers in areas around Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Keningau, Papar, Beaufort, and Tambunan. The company's goal is to expand and diversify the types of wholesale and retail products to become more competitive in the market in Sabah. Which has led to Sabaras engaging in the repackaging of subsidized cooking oil under the brand "ONSOI" since 2021. .
The "ONSOI" cooking oil factory was inaugurated on September 9, 2020, and has been in full operation since November 2021. Sabaras is the sole repacker of 1kg subsidized cooking oil packets located in the interior of Sabah, specifically in the Keningau district. Sabaras primarily focuses on wholesale sales to local wholesalers and retailers in several areas such as Keningau, Sook, Tambunan, Nabawan, and Tenom. .
Sources
The Star (2023). “Revival of Sabah's rice board in the pipeline, says Hajiji”.
The Edge Malaysia (2023). “Bernas to finalise rice concession agreement by August”
