SUPP Stakan wonders why Chong has not revealed names of seven new sugar importers
Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) Stakan is very puzzled why Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Chong Chieng Jen, has not announced the names of licensed new importers of white sugar.
Its chairman, Sim Kiang Chiok, said up till yesterday, the deputy minister had not told the public the names of the seven new importers, except Stampin Confectionary Sdn Bhd.
“If Chong is delaying the announcement of these seven new licensed importers, then he cannot claim that his party, DAP, is transparent and honest. It also can be said that the new Pakatan Harapan ( PH) federal government cannot implement their transparency policy as he is also the deputy minister of the government,” he said in a WhatsApp message yesterday.
He added since Chong had publicly stated in newspapers that eight food factories have obtained the white sugar import permit, it showed that he had the relevant information on hand.
“But when people ask for the relevant details and application procedures, Chong did not provide clear answers for public consumption,” he said.
Recently, Chong had said that any food and beverage (F&B) manufacturer in Sarawak can apply for Approved Permits as long as they genuinely require sugar in their production and not for resale. He had also said that the PH government had finally broken the monopoly on sugar import in the country.
He said the open policy would benefit F&B manufacturers in the country, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, as they could now import refined sugar direct at cheaper price, compared to the previous policy where only two companies in West Malaysia were given permits to import raw sugar and refine it in the country.
Sim said SUPP was not against the issuance of more licences to import white sugar or even for import of other food, as long as the people can benefit from this policy.
“But the government cannot keep information on the new importers of white sugar from the public as it must be accountable to the public.
“We hope that Chong will heed public opinion and announce the names of the other seven sugar importers, the related application and approval procedures as soon as possible,” he said.