SPECIAL REPORT | Why is the sugar subsidy, which burdens the government’s coffers by up to RM500 million a year, being continued - especially when diabetes has already become a national crisis?

And why does the government maintain the subsidy when there are companies that can sell it at a cheaper price even without subsidies?

The above are among the questions confusing even officers within the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.

“The Madani government’s decision to continue the sugar subsidy is baffling,” said one ministry officer, who requested anonymity.

The view was shared by several other officers who...