PETALING JAYA: The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) has urged the government to abolish the approved permit (AP) and import permit (IP) for refined sugar, saying Malaysia already produces more than enough to meet domestic needs.
Felda chairman Ahmad Shabery Cheek said imports, which amount to 60,000 to 70,000 metric tonnes a year, are being sold at the same controlled price as local sugar despite their higher production costs, Bernama reported.
“In countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, sugar prices are much higher, ranging from RM5 to RM8 per kg,” he was quoted as saying after visiting MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd’s refinery in Perai and launching the Felda Special Edition Perai Sugar.