A suggestion has been made that the government allows direct selling companies to sell sugar and other essential items to prevent a monopoly and resolve the sugar supply crisis that occurs frequently in the country.

Hamim Samuri (BN-Ledang) said although the suggestion might sound comical, the move was seen to be able to open up space and supply sources to help the consumers should there be a crisis in the supply of the commodities.

"The objective is to facilitate the consumers in obtaining these goods if there is a shortage of supply whether at the retail shops or supermarkets," he said when debating the Direct Selling Bill 2010 at the Dewan Rakyat today.

His views were also supported by Baharum Mohamed (BN-Sekijang) who stood up for clarification and proposed that besides sugar, the direct selling companies should also be allowed to sell various other essential items including cooking oil and flour.

In his debate, Hamim also asked the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism to consider the proposal adding that there were other methods that could be used to implement the suggestion.

Mujahid Yusof Rawa (PAS-Parit Buntar), in his debate, asked the government to set up a special syariah panel to ensure that the products and services offered by direct selling companies did not contradict Islamic teachings.

He said the panel could protect the consumers, particularly the Muslim community, in terms of 'halal' (permissible) or non-halal goods besides building the confidence of the consumers on the products sold.

Panic buying in Seremban

In another development, hypermarkets like Jusco, Maidin and The Store and retail outlets in Seremban are fast running out of sugar stocks following panic buying by consumers, spurred by rumours of a price hike for the essential item and also alleged supply shortages.

Hashim Rusdi, the state exco for consumer affairs, admitted the situation concerning sugar supply was worsening in the capital.

"Normally consumers pruchase about two kilogrammes a month, but now they have doubled the figure.

"There is no need to do this as there is ample supply of sugar in the market," he said when contacted today.

He advised consumers not to "over buy" as others would be deprived the opportunity to buy the essential item.

Checks by Bernama at the Store hypermarket found sugar stocks had all been sold out.

A housewife, A Lakhsmi, 36 from Kemayan Jaya, when met at the premises, said that she had been on a "sugar hunt" the past three weeks.

- Bernama