Negri traders laud govt’s decision to not raise sugar price

SEREMBAN: The government’s decision not to entertain requests for a sugar price hike has been welcomed by the Negri Sembilan Traders and Hawkers Association (NSTHA).

Its president, Zubeer Abu Bakar said the move was timely, with Ramadan nearing.

“The impact of the price hike will not only affect consumers but also traders and hawkers.

“They are left with no choice but to increase the price of their products,” he said yesterday.

He said this would make it hard for traders and hawkers to run their businesses as the price hike would create dissatisfaction among consumers.

“No consumers mean no businessfor us. I hope the government’s decision will stay,” he said.

Yesterday, the government stood firm in its decision not to increase the sugar price despite a request from sugar producer MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin said there would not be any increase as the global raw sugar price had gone down, now at US$0.17 (RM0.73) per pound.

“Why should we increase the price when the global price for sugar has decreased?

“I can tell you that the sugar producers have been recording a steady profit since the last price revision in March,” he said after the ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday.

On March 1, the price of coarsegrain white refined sugar was increased to 11 sen due to an increase in the price of imported raw sugar.

The price was increased from RM2.85 to RM2.95 per kg.

Hamzah said the management of MSM Malaysia, including its chief executive officer, had met him recently on the matter.

“Nevertheless, I am firm with the decision not to increase the price. The government would have considered their request if sugar-producing companies were facing major losses.

“But, they have been recording a steady profit. It’s unfair if they wish to increase their profits while burdening the people.”

Earlier, he launched the #janganlebihlebih campaign in conjunction with Ramadan.

Hamzah said the campaign would create awareness among consumers to stop food wastage and spend moderately.