By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Dec 16: Buying sugar at cheaper prices is now possible for food and beverages industry players in Sarawak and Sabah by applying for direct approved permits (APs).
Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Chong Chieng Jen, who made the announcement here today, said: “They (food and beverages industry players) can write to us (Ministry) to import refined sugar directly from exporter countries, such as Thailand.”
He told a press conference after arriving from Limbang that with the international sugar price currently at RM1.20 per/kg since the past few months, it was a good opportunity to apply for the APs and bring in sugar at cheaper prices.
He gave assurance that the process of getting the permits would not take long.
“There is no deadline for the submission. We’ll process the applications as soon as possible.
“We hope the industry players in the food and beverage business will make full use of this good gesture but don’t abuse it,” he advised.
On whether this policy applies to those in West Malaysia, he replied: “Practically the sugar plants lower the prices to industry players in West Malaysia compared to Sabah and Sarawak because of the volume differences.
“They adopt the ‘you take it or you leave it’ (attitude).”
Also present at the press conference were Senator Alan Ling, Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon and Miri Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs head Joe Azmi Jamil. — DayakDaily
