PUTRAJAYA, May 25 ― Two local sugar producers have obtained permission to produce and sell refined white sugar at prices uncontrolled by the government starting today, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said.

This was done under the condition that the two companies, MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad and Central Sugars Refinery Sdn Bhd, will ensure sufficient quantities of coarse and fine white sugar, which will not be replaced by refined white sugar, he said.

"Permission for the sale of refined white sugar will begin on May 25, 2023,” he told reporters at a press conference at Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

He said that the government had agreed with the request as it will provide consumers with alternatives to coarse and fine white sugar.

The request from the two companies were part of their marketing plans to continue being competitive and sustainable, he added.

He warned that action will be taken against the companies if the price set for refined white sugar was too high or if the supply of coarse and fine white sugar was insufficient.

"The same goes for any wholesalers and retailers who impose conditional purchases or do not sell the existing types of white sugar (coarse and fine) to customers,” he said.

In relation to that, Ops Manis has been extended for another month to ensure that the sale of refined white sugar will not disrupt or replace existing sugar types, he added.

Sugar is a controlled item under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, which provides for the control and rationing of supplies, particularly foodstuffs meant for human consumption.

Currently, coarse white sugar is sold at RM2.85 per kilogramme while the price for fine white sugar is RM2.95 per kilogramme.

Last Friday, national news agency Bernama reported Salahuddin as saying that "Gula Super” or premium white sugar in green packaging that went viral on social media is not marketed in Malaysia yet.

He also reportedly said that Ops Manis, an operation to identify the causes and solutions of the sugar shortage faced in several states, had shown positive progress.