PETALING JAYA: There must always be 1,000 tonnes of refined white sugar in warehouses in Sabah and Labuan, as well as in Sarawak, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said as of Thursday (July 11), the retail price of refined white sugar in Malaysia remains the lowest among Asean countries.
"Short-term and medium-term challenges need to be addressed immediately.
"After reviewing and listening to the views of all (attendees), the meeting agreed to bring this matter to the attention of the Cabinet and make a decision soon," he said in a statement after chairing the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) meeting on Thursday.
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"The meeting also decided to mandate the supply of refined white sugar to always be available in warehouses with a capacity of 1,000 tonnes in Sabah and Labuan, and 1,000 tonnes in Sarawak," he added.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh said on June 30 the government had given an assurance that there had been no increases in sugar prices in the market so far.
The speculation about a potential price hike emerged in April following industry complaints that prompted requests for a price increase, citing losses of 88 sen per kilogramme of sugar produced.
