KUCHING, July 9: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has been told to reveal the names of the seven food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers in Sarawak with sugar import permits including their applications and approval procedures.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Stakan chief Sim Kiang Chiok demanded the names of the sugar importers made known to the public as soon as possible.
“We are very puzzled about the fact that the deputy minister, Chong Chieng Jen, has not announced the name of those with sugar import licence.
“Until today, the names of the seven white sugar importers are not announced to the public,” he said in a statement.
SUPP Stakan made the demand since Chong had publicly stated in the media that eight food factories have obtained the white sugar import permit. This goes to show that he has the relevant information in hand, he explained.
However, Sim claimed that when the people asked for the relevant details and application procedures, a clear answer was not provided for the public.
“If Chong is delaying the announcement of these seven new licence importers, then he cannot claim that his party, Democratic Action Party (DAP), is transparent and honest.
“It can also be said that the new Pakatan Harapan federal government cannot implement their transparency policy, considering that he is also a deputy minister,” he continued.
Sim said SUPP is not opposing to the issuance of more import licence of white sugar, or even for import of other food products, as long as the people can benefit from the policy.
The new government cannot keep the information of the new importers of white sugar from the public, as they must be accountable to the people, he reminded. — DayakDaily
