THE Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry is investigating claims that approved permits (APs) issued by the government for the import of food products, are being sold online. 

Minister Salahuddin Ayub said the ministry would take stern action if AP holders were selling the licences on social media.

“I have asked the ministry’s secretary-general (Mohd Sallehhuddin Hassan) to investigate the matter and to take appropriate action to ensure the APs are not misused,” he told reporters when met at the opening of Parit Amanah annual meeting in Seri Iskandar, Perak, today.

Salahuddin, who is Parti Amanah Negara deputy president said the ministry has the authority to retract the licences and would not compromise with those who do not comply with the conditions.

Apart from agricultural produce, APs for flour and sugar were also being sold online, Salahuddin added.

“We will conduct an investigation, not only at the ministry level but with other ministries as well since APs for sugar, flour and other products are also being traded,” he said.

 Recently, local newspapers reported  AP holders for flour, poultry, meat, sugar and round cabbage were believed to have advertised the sale of the permits through a goods and services website. – Bernama, August 18, 2019.