GOV'T MAY SOON LIBERALISE IMPORT OF SUGAR, FLOUR

KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Bernama) -- The government may soon lift the control
gag on import of sugar and flour so as to liberalise the import of both
commodities and allow open and healthy competition in the market.

Domestic trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad said the
government had also abolished the control on the import of cement and steel last
year.

"It is the government's desire to determine the price for consumers instead
of allowing others to determine the prices. We have been monitoring the
situation since last year and for the benefit of consumers we may allow free
trade to encourage healthy competition among importers," he told the Lower House
of Parliament during a question and answer session here Tuesday.

Shahrir was replying to Member of Parliament Khalid Abdul Samad, who wanted
to know the steps taken by the government to break the monopoly of those
importing commodities like sugar and flour.

He added that the government currently controls the import and prices of
essential goods like sugar, flour, cooking oil, petrol and diesel.

According to Shahrir, the government also provides subsidy, when needed, to
ensure retail prices of essential goods remain stable and reasonable.

Shahrir said the government was in the final phase of drafting the Fair
Trade Bill that would give the government more powers to resolve issues that may
arise when producers try to abuse the market.

"The act will enable an open and fair market and introduce competitive
trading and will be tabled after putting together feedback received from all,
not only the government," he said.

The Ministry hope to table it in Parliament by this year, he said.
-- BERNAMA