Ample supply of sugar in Negri to meet demand, says Domestic Trade Ministry

SEREMBAN: There is more than enough sugar supply in Negri Sembilan for now, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.

Its state director Muhammad Zahir Mazlan said consumers should not resort to panic buying as this may destabilise supply.

"Our estimated consumption each month totals some 600 metric tonnes while supply is 735 metric tonnes.

“So there is more than enough," he said, adding that the authorities continuously monitor the supply of the commodity in the market.

He said they had not received any complaint about a price increase.

Muhammad Zahir said there were 11 main sugar retailers in the state who were allowed to store and distribute controlled items.

As of Wednesday (May 24), they all had sufficient supply, he added.

"We also had a session with the retailers on May 17 to discuss ways to prevent a shortage.

"We reminded them not to hoard sugar or to increase the price as action can be taken," he said in a statement.

Hoarding controlled items is an offence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

He said since January, the authorities have carried out 31,054 inspections of outlets but did not get any official complaint from consumers about a shortage in sugar supply.

Muhammad Zahir said consumers can also provide information or file complaints on any related matter to the ministry through WhatsApp at 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000, its 1 800 886 800 hotline or by email to [e-mail]