PASIR GUDANG (Jan 16): Malaysia is not experiencing a sugar shortage but rather a problem of inefficient distribution, said MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd chief operating officer Hasni Ahmad.
“We have no issues with distribution because we channel it [the sugar] through our wholesalers. We are not sure (how they do their business). We can't control the distribution process of the wholesalers,” he told reporters during a media visit to MSM Sugar Refinery (Johor) Sdn Bhd on Tuesday.
He was responding to reporters’ questions about the MSM’s sugar supply situation in light of reports indicating challenges in obtaining sugar in Labuan.
Earlier on the same day, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali assured that Labuan’s sugar shortage is anticipated to be resolved by Wednesday.
Armizan was quoted as saying that 118.8 tonnes of the household staple had been dispatched from Sabah and peninsular Malaysia to Labuan for distribution to wholesalers and traders.
Meanwhile, MSM is planning to export the latest addition to its Gula Prai lineup, premium white sugar Gula Super, to Singapore this year due to the proximity between its factory in Johor and the city-state.
“We also should not be worried about our plan to export sugar to Singapore. This will have no impact on the local market's sugar supply as we enhance our production capacity," Hasni added.