THE government is studying the best method to reduce national dependence on imported raw sugar supply, which is currently totally imported from abroad, said acting Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali.

He said this is to overcome raw material supply issues that could be affected by factors beyond Malaysia’s control, such as geopolitical rifts and natural disasters.

“Domestically, there is sugar (but it’s processed sugar), but we fully import our raw sugar from other countries,” he said, adding that Malaysia receives its supply from only Brazil now compared with from Thailand and India previously.

The country imports raw sugar as it costs less than producing it domestically.

“Even if there are certain crops that cost more if produced in Malaysia compared with abroad, we need to think of strategy – maybe we spend a bit more, what’s important is that the supply is not disrupted,” Armizan told reporters after officiating the Mega Rahmah Sale programme at grounds of the Pasir Gudang City Council Indoor Stadium today.

He said the Mega Rahmah Sale programme was carried out at 1,229 locations throughout the country and benefited 2.1 million consumers from January to July 31. – Bernama, August 19, 2023.