Acting domestic trade and cost of living minister Armizan Ali said this was to overcome problems with the supply caused by global politics and natural disasters.

He said Malaysia now received its supply from Brazil, compared to Thailand and India previously.

Raw sugar was being imported as the cost was much lower than producing it domestically.

Armizan said Malaysia needs to have a long-term strategy to meet the country’s sugar needs, even if it cost more to produce it locally.

“What’s important is that the supply is not disrupted,” Armizan told reporters after officiating the Mega Rahmah Sale programme at the Pasir Gudang City Council Indoor Stadium here today.

He said the Mega Rahmah Sale programme had been carried out at 1,229 locations throughout the country and benefitted 2.1 million consumers over the first seven months of this year.