Sugar supply to east coast restored, says Salahuddin

SEPANG: The sugar supply shortfall in the peninsula's east coast, caused by the temporary closure of MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd sugar mills in Johor and Penang, has been restored.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the factories were closed for Hari Raya Aidilfitri and resumed operations on April 25.

He told a press conference here on Tuesday (May 2) that the ministry worked closely with sugar producers MSM Malaysia and Central Sugars Refinery Sdn Bhd to restore the supply flow.

"The issue has been addressed. I hope residents in the affected states will not panic and be deceived by claims of a possible increase in the price of sugar," he said, adding that sugar stocks will be distributed to wholesalers and retailers from Wednesday (May 3).

According to news reports, residents in Kelantan claimed there had been a sugar shortage in the state since April 22.

On Monday (May 1), the ministry's Kelantan director Azman Ismail said 250 tonnes of sugar had been distributed to several supermarkets in the state.

"The sugar supply will be distributed in stages, including to wholesalers and retailers. We expect the problem to resolved within two days," he added.

In another development, Salahuddin said the maximum retail price for palm oil in 2kg, 3kg and 5kg bottles will remain at RM13.30, RM19.60, and RM30.90 respectively, for the May 8 to June 7 period.

"In general, there was an increase in the price of crude palm oil in April from the previous month, which exceeded RM4,000 per tonne. This led to a rise in the retail price of cooking oil.

"However, so as not to burden the people, the government has agreed to maintain the price during the stated period,” he said. – Bernama