Malaysia Update

TUMPAT: There has been an increase in the smuggling of sugar to Thailand following the announcement of an impending price hike.

The marine police launched an operation against such activities yesterday.

Its commanding officer, Deputy Superintendent Tan Cheng San, said marine police officers had been told to step up checks, especially on passenger boats plying between here and Takbai.

"We will also conduct more checks at the Simpangan area as we believe smugglers are smuggling sugar across via the route," he said yesterday.

Tan said marine police had seized more than 80kg of sugar hoarded by local traders in raids here yesterday.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said on Tuesday that the price of sugar might be raised after Chinese New Year following the increase in the world price.

Edited From NST 23 Jan 09