SEPANG, May 2 — The shortage in sugar supply on the East Coast, caused by the temporary closure of the MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd sugar mills in Johor and Perai in Penang, has been restored, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
Speaking at a press conference earlier today, he said the factories were temporarily closed for Hari Raya Aidilfitri but had resumed operations on April 25.
The ministry is now working closely with local sugar manufacturers MSM Malaysia and Central Sugars Refinery Sdn Bhd (CSR) to address the supply shortage.
“The issue of sugar shortage on 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,” Salahuddin said, adding that a new sugar supply will be distributed to wholesalers and retailers from tomorrow onwards.
Based on media reports, residents in Kelantan claimed of sugar shortage in the state since last April 22.
Yesterday, Kelantan KPDN director Azman Ismail said they had distributed a quarter of a million kg 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,” the minister said.
In another development, he said the maximum retail price for palm oil in 2kg, 3kg and 5 kg 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, so as not to burden the people and consumers, the government has agreed to maintain the price during the stipulated period,” Salahuddin said.
— Bernama
