Sugar supply boosted in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: White sugar supply to Sabah has been increased to meet the demand for Hari Raya.

Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the state received some 6,980 tonnes of sugar in March, compared to 5,156 tonnes in February and 4,781 tonnes in January.

For this month, he said the ministry is aiming to send in 6,119.80 tonnes of sugar throughout Sabah and 190 tonnes to Labuan.

“The first shipment via sea departed on April 3, and measures are being taken to ensure that a consistent supply is available to meet market demands,” he said after checking out the stock in Sabah at sugar distributor Sazarice at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park II here yesterday.

Armizan said the ministry has been working closely with manufacturers, suppliers and traders as well as the port authorities to facilitate the handling of supplies and approvals for controlled goods entering Sabah.

He said there are only two main sugar producers – Syarikat Malaysia Holding Berhad and Central Sugar Refinery – and both are in the peninsula.

“This is why additional initiatives and proactive measures are needed to increase and maintain a stable sugar supply chain for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan,” said the Papar MP.

On Ops Kristal, an operation to monitor the status of sugar supplies at wholesale and retail levels, Armizan said a total of 18 violations under the Controlled Supplies Act 1961 were recorded this year, as of April 5.

He said the ministry had also received 17 complaints related to sugar shortage in the first three months of the year and this problem has been resolved.

For matters related to the ministry, he encouraged the public to report or file their complaints via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000 or 019-279 4317; on http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my; contact the call centre 1-800-886-800 or through the Ez ADU KPDN mobile app.

The public can also call the Enforcement Action Centre at 03-8882 6245 / 6088.