Kota Kinabalu: Consumers in the State are once again facing a lack essential items, especially sugar, with the fasting month around the corner.Checks with sundry shops and supermarkets in the State Capital, Penampang and Tg Aru revealed that while garlic was still largely available, albeit at a higher price, the situation was especially critical with sugar.Madam Chua, a minimart owner in Penampang, said while she still had stocks of sugar she was already down to her last two bundles of sugar packets (48 packets of 1kg sugar).
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"Most of the sundry shops in the township have already run out of sugar. During the last shipment I ordered more than usual from my supplier.
At first I was a bit apprehensive that it would take longer to sell off. "But it was a blessing in disguise for me as recently my supplier said to me that there was no more sugar left.
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"I had to restrict sales to a packet or two per person as people have come here wanting to buy it all in one go. "I suspect they are from coffeeshops or food businesses who require a lot of sugar. But if I do that, I wouldn't have any more for my other customers.
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"With fasting month and Hari Raya coming I suspect the demand would see a sharp increase and some people may start hoarding. Hopefully the sugar supply situation will improve soon."Garlic is still available but costs more. We used to sell it at about RM5 per kg but now the price has gone up by about RM2 to RM3," she said.Another sundry shop owner in Donggongon also complained about the lack of sugar to sell."Many people have come here looking for sugar but I have to tell them we don't have any. I'm not sure when the supply will resume. Even my supplier cannot promise me."I have garlic but as you can see it's a bit more expensive at RM7.90. What to do. Everywhere also the same, the price has gone up." Checks at a major hypermarket in the city also revealed an acute shortage in the supply of sugar with some customers seen stocking up on the item, purchasing at least 3-4 packets of sugar each. Garlic was still available.Lee a minimarket owner in Tg Aru, also agreed that the sugar supply situation was serious.
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"We have run out already. We can only wait and see and hope for the best."Garlic we have but it is now more expensive, retailing about RM8 per kg from RM5 previously," he said.