SEPANG – The shortage in sugar supply in the east coast, which was caused by the temporary closure of MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd’s sugar mills in Johor and Prai in Penang, has been restored, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
He told a press conference here today that the factories were temporarily closed for Aidilfitri, but they resumed operations on April 25.
The ministry, he said, is now working closely with two local sugar manufacturers, namely MSM Malaysia and Central Sugars Refinery Sdn Bhd, to address the supply shortage.
“The issue of sugar shortage in the east coast 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 new sugar supply will be distributed to wholesalers and retailers from tomorrow.
Based on media reports, residents in Kelantan claimed of sugar shortage in the state since April 22.
Yesterday, Kelantan domestic trade director Azman Ismail said they had distributed 250,000kg of sugar to several supermarkets in the state.
“The sugar supply is distributed in stages, including to wholesalers and retailers. We expect the problem to be 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 per bottle, respectively, for the period from May 8 to June 7.
“In general, there was an increase in the price of crude palm oil in April compared to the previous month, which exceeded RM4,000 per tonne. This increase led to a rise in the retail price of cooking oil.
“However, to not burden the people and consumers, the government has agreed to maintain the price during the stipulated period,” he said. – Bernama, May 2, 2023
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