SUGAR supply in the east coast – which was disrupted by the temporary closure of MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd’s sugar mills in Johor and Perai – has been restored, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub said.

He said the factories were temporarily closed for Raya, but had resumed operations on April 25.

The ministry, he said, was now working closely with two local sugar manufacturers – MSM Malaysia and Central Sugars Refinery Sdn Bhd – to address the supply disruption.

“The issue of sugar shortage in the east coast has been addressed. I hope residents in the affected states will not panic or be deceived by claims of possible increases 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 there had been a sugar shortage in the state since April 22.

Yesterday, the ministry’s Kelantan director, Azman Ismail, said it had distributed 250,000kg of sugar to several supermarkets in the state.

“The sugar is distributed in stages, including to wholesalers and retailers. We expect the problem to 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 of May 8-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 for the stipulated period,” he said. – Bernama, May 2, 2023.