SUGAR EXPORT BY LAND TO BE STOPPED IN EFFORTS TO CURB SMUGGLING

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The government will not allow export of sugar
by land to curb smuggling activities of subsidized sugar to neighbouring
countries, said Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism minister Ismail
Sabri Yaakob Monday.

Ismail said the Customs and Anti-Smuggling Unit (UPP) had agreed to beef up
their operations to stop such activities, he said.

"We are aware of a short supply in sugar, especially in states like Penang,
Perlis, Kelantan, Kedah and in Sabah, places those close to borders of
neighbouring countries where the price of sugar is high compared with Malaysia.

"After discussions with producers and suppliers, it was agreed that export
by land be stopped. This means if anyone found carrying even one kilogram of
sugar, the person will be deemed as smuggling sugar," said Ismail.

For places experiencing a shortage of sugar, Ismail assured that the problem
would be overcome as the producers and suppliers had promised to ensure enough
supply in such areas.

He added that the shortage of sugar in some states or places was due to an
increase in the number of companies producing or manufacturing sugar based
products, especially in Selangor, as the number of such factories had increased
by four folds.

Ismail however, assured that there will not be an increase in the price of
sugar and warned those who horde sugar, expecting a price increase, to give up
such hopes.

The government also plans to stop sugar subsidies for companies or factories
producing and exporting sugar based products and would work hand in hand with
the Ministry of International Trade and Industries (MITI) to identify such
companies and ensure they do not receive subsidized sugar price.

As for companies which sell their sugar based products in Malaysia as well
as overseas, Ismail stated that MITI would have documentations to identify
how many products are exported.
-- BERNAMA