PUTRAJAYA (June 22): The two main sugar producing companies in Malaysia, MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd (MSM) and Central Sugars Refinery Sdn Bhd (CSR), have been instructed to provide daily sugar production reports since May to ensure there are no disruption in the supply of the commodity in the country.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said instructions had been issued to the two companies to submit daily reports after the sugar supply crisis in several states.

Speaking at a press conference after attending the monthly assembly of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) here on Thursday (June 22), Salahuddin said it was among measures to ensure sufficient sugar supply, especially ahead of next week's Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration.

In addition, he said KPDN will monitor the supply of sugar in the market through checks with wholesalers and suppliers, as well as surveys at retail stores and supermarkets.

"We will monitor seriously ahead of the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration to ensure that the supply (of sugar) is adequate," he said, adding that the supply of sugar was also found to be stable after the Ops Manis operation was launched last May.

Previously, the media had reported concern among the people, especially in Kelantan, following the difficulty in obtaining 1kg sugar packets, which were allegedly not available in the market in April.

Salahuddin added that enforcement was also increased at the borders to ensure that there is no diversion of subsidised goods, including sugar, to neighbouring countries.