DOMESTIC Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Ali said the government is conducting assessments and taking immediate action to prevent a larger disruption of refined white sugar supplies in the market leading into next year.

He said that the actions are based on reasonable pricing factors and ensuring a stable supply in the market and thus, the government is currently exploring solutions to address the issue for the long term.

“It is undeniable that the disruption of refined white sugar supplies priced at RM2.85 per kg is due to the increase in the price of raw sugar in the global market. The government only controls the price of refined white sugar without providing subsidies to manufacturers.

“Since July, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has relaxed import permit conditions by allowing anyone to bring in sugar,” he said during a press conference after the Rahmah Sales programme in Kota Kinabalu today.

Armizan said that since then, 43 companies have been granted import quota approval permits totalling 557,080 metric tonnes, to enable importers to seek sources of raw sugar at low rates.

However, until December 12, he said only 5% had been successfully imported, but it is for personal use even though the relaxation has been given.

“The ministry is still open to conditional import permit relaxation, if any party can import and sell refined sugar at the price of RM2.85 per kg, please apply, and we will grant approval immediately,” he said.

Meanwhile, Armizan said that starting next year, the Rahmah Market will include elements of selling wet goods in the programme in collaboration with traders.

He said that based on a study, almost 80% of the response was positive, and they want the programme to continue, along with several suggestions for improvements, such as announcing the sales schedule earlier.

“We will continue to improve the implementation of the Rahmah Sales programme by taking into account the response from the people and traders,” he said.

Meanwhile, Armizan said his ministry is always collaborating with the Health Ministry to address any price increases involving face masks, sanitisers, and Covid-19 test kits when an increase in cases occurs.

Epidemiological Week 50, from December 10 to 16, recorded 20,696 Covid-19 cases, an increase of 62.2% compared to 12,757 cases before. – Bernama, December 21, 2023.