The government is looking at reducing the prices of sugar, said Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Chong Chieng Jen.

Among the considerations, he said, is liberalising the approved permit (AP) system.

"Actually, you don't need to really open up the AP to reduce sugar prices but opening it up is within our consideration.

"Even without the liberalisation of the AP, reducing sugar prices is one of our main consideration,' he told journalist at the Parliament lobby today.

The APs are required for the importation of sugar. At present, the sugar industry is controlled by two players, namely MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd and Central Sugar Refinery Sdn Bhd.

Chong said the interest of the economy and well-being of the people must take precedence over "certain individuals".

"(But) of course, we will engage with all the stakeholders on this matter," he said.

Chong said the engagement process is ongoing and the matter will be brought to the cabinet. He gave a time frame of six months. 

Pan-Borneo Highway 

On a separate matter, Works Minister Baru Bian said an independent consultant has been appointed to review the Pan-Borneo Highway project which was initiated by the previous government.

"We will leave it to the consultant to determine what needs to be relooked at.

"For now, we are waiting for them to submit the report of the study to us," he told journalists at the Parliament lobby.

The Pan-Borneo Highway project spans a total length of 1,060 kilometres with 193 kilometres already completed or is ongoing.

Phase one is 791 kilometres-long and was slated to be completed in 2021.