PUTRAJAYA: The two main sugar producing companies in Malaysia, MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd (MSM) and Central Sugars Refinery Sdn Bhd (CSR), have been instructed to provide daily sugar production reports since last month to ensure there are no disruptions in the supply of the commodity in the country.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, said instructions have been issued to the two companies to submit daily reports since last month after the sugar supply crisis in several states.
Speaking at a press conference after attending the monthly assembly of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) here earlier today (June 22), Salahuddin said it was among the measures to ensure sufficient sugar supply, especially ahead of next week's Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations.
In addition, he said KPDN will monitor the supply of sugar in the market through checks with wholesalers and suppliers, as well as conducting surveys at retail stores and supermarkets.
"We will conduct serious monitoring ahead of the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration to ensure that the supply of sugar is adequate," he said, adding that the supply of sugar was also found to be stable after the Ops Manis operation that was launched last May.
Previously, it was reported that there was concern among the people, especially in Kelantan, following the difficulty in obtaining supply of one kilogramme (kg) sugar packets which were allegedly not available in the market in April.
Salahuddin added that enforcement was also increased at the borders to ensure that there is no diversion of subsidised goods, including sugar, to neighbouring countries. — Bernama