Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob ( below ) said that the ministry will not give in to the demands of the Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Association of Malaysia.

ismail sabri yaakob He was responding to threats from sundry shop owners across the country to stop selling sugar, cooking oil and flour after June 15 if the Najib administration insists on requiring them to be licensed to sell these items.

"We have already met with them and have agreed to their earlier demands," he explained when met today at Parliament.

Charge waived

He claimed that the original RM10 which was supposed to be charged has been waived, and that the licence will be given for free.

"To make things easier, we will send our officers to their shops for the issuance of the licence and it will be completed on the spot," he said, adding that the implemention will also be pushed back to July 1 as per the demand of the federation.

Ismail reiterated that the licensing is for monitoring purposes as shop owners have often taken advantage of the sugar subsidies and sold it on the black market instead. Sugar is sold at a higher price in neighbouring countries like Thailand and Indonesia.

Therefore, he said this can help ensure that only Malaysian will benefit from our sugar subsidies.

He further suggested that if the boycott happens, consumer could still seek other alternatives to buy their sugar.                

"Hypermarkets, supermarkets and pasar tani will still sell sugar. Alternative outlets like petrol stations could be considered," he added.