Go ahead, increase sugar price, say consumer bodies
17 May 2017 Print page
They hope consumers will use less sugar to stay healthy if the government raises the price of sugar.
PETALING JAYA: Two consumers’ associations support fully any sugar price hike proposed by the producer, MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd.
Consumers’ Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (CASSA) president Dr Jacob George said the association fully supported any price hike as the health of consumers was affected by too much intake of sugar.
Jacob told FMT that he expected any price increase to have an impact on the food and beverage industry but expected it to be minimal.
He hoped the domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism ministry (KPDNKK) will play its part in ensuring there is no profiteering and no undue increase in prices of other related items.
The ministry must also make sure there is no hoarding of sugar by any groups, especially by distributors, he added.
“This is especially so since Aidilfitri is around the corner.”
On the same note, Penang Consumers’ Association (CAP) president SM Mohd Idris said the association will support the proposed 29 sen increase in sugar price by the producer mainly because of the many health hazards posed by sugar.
“For the past 20 years, the association has been talking about sugar-related diseases. So, we’ve always wanted the sugar price to go up.
“Even our data survey found six out of 10 people opt for a less sugary option when they go to restaurants and coffee shops,” Idris told FMT.
However, he said, enforcement by the authorities should come in when consumers are overcharged for something they want less in their food.
“Action must be taken by the government should there be any coffee shops who overcharge customers who want less sugar in their coffee.”
Earlier, it was reported that MSM Holdings Bhd had urged the government to increase the local sugar price by 29 sen to RM3.24 per kg from RM2.95 per kg.
It said this was due to the volatility in world raw sugar prices and the declining value of the ringgit.
Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/05/16/go-ahead-increase-sugar-price-say-consumer-bodies/