Malaysia : Scrap refined sugar import permits, Felda tells govt
Felda chairman Ahmad Shabery Cheek urged Malaysia to abolish approved and import permits for refined sugar, noting domestic production already exceeds demand. He warned that imports of 60,000–70,000 tonnes annually—sold at the same RM2.85/kg controlled price—constitute dumping, risking refinery viability, jobs, and long-term economic stability despite higher regional sugar prices.
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.
“Yet, their sugar can be sold here in Malaysia for RM2.85, the same as our locally controlled price. This indicates a clear element of dumping, which must be stopped.”
Shabery said continuing such imports could hurt local refinery operations, cause job losses and significant long-term economic damage.
“In my view, since we are already producing sugar in excess of our requirements, there is no necessity to grant any import permits to parties seeking to bring in refined sugar for sale here,” he said.
He said Felda had raised the matter with the finance ministry and the domestic trade and cost of living ministry for further action.
MSM, part of the FGV Group, is Malaysia’s largest sugar producer and plays a key role in maintaining a steady domestic supply.
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Source : FMT
