He said that currently, the country is entirely dependent on importing raw sugar from Brazil following the closure of the sugar cane plantation in Chuping, Perlis, in 2012.

He said the government is currently identifying land parcels of up to 405ha in northern Perak for this purpose.

“All (100%) of the country’s raw sugar is being imported, and when there are price increases or issues with currency and oil (prices), freight costs will be high.

“Therefore, there is a need for us to plant sugar cane, and the government will arrange for the (logistics) chain to ensure planters will have ready buyers,” he said during the winding up debate on the Supply Bill 2023 at the committee level in the Dewan Rakyat.

Malaysia’s sugar demand is currently met by the national refined sugar producer MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd.

Its refined sugar production has reached 2.05 tonnes a year and meets 60% of domestic demand.