PUTRAJAYA will move to blacklist any quarters – companies, manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers – found colluding to manipulate the price of government-subsidised sugar. 

Domestic Trade, and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub said the government would not tolerate any parties taking advantage of the government’s efforts.

“To manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers who collude to manipulate sugar prices, they will face the music. They will be charged in court. 

“Those involved will be blacklisted immediately, there will be no compromise for the sake of the people,” he said. 

He was winding up a clarification session on the approval given to local sugar companies – MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd (MSM) and Central Sugars Refinery Sdn Bhd (CSR) – to produce clear refined white sugar for the retail market.

Salahuddin said the government also does not intend to float the price of sugar again, but if the economy recovers, the government is ready to examine the steps to float the price of the essential item.

Salahuddin told the Dewan Rakyat that MSM and CSR were allowed to produce and market the new type of sugar at a retail sale price that is not controlled by the government or price floating according to the market.

“Taking into account the production costs of the local sugar industry, and the responsibility of the government as it is involved in giving subsidies, the ministry allows the production of clear sugar to be sold in the retail market in order to give consumers a choice,” he said.

In the session, five lawmakers expressed concern the move to sell clear sugar would lead to more cases of price rationing and sugar hoarding. – Bernama, June 13, 2023.