PETALING JAYA: Consumer associations have expressed mixed reactions to the possibility of restaurants and bakeries buying subsidised sugar to offset the rising cost of commercial-use sugar.

At least two associations are split over the practicality of such a move, with one citing it will be an arduous process to go about just to save cost. The other claims it is a norm for companies to do so.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason said it would be nonsensical for chain restaurants, for example, to buy cheaper sugar in bulk.

“I don’t see it happening. It will be stupid for the big businesses to do so. Are they going to buy 1kg sugar in bulk to offset their costs? I don’t think so,” he said.

He said only small scale businesses would benefit from buying subsidised sugar in droves.

Maritmuthu said the increase in commercial-use sugar would not affect big businesses significantly.

“If the price goes up for commercial-use sugar, big businesses will usually pass the cost to us, consumers. So my advice to the public is not to resort to any panic buying,” he said.

On the other hand, Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said one should not rule out the possibility of such businesses resorting to buying subsidised sugar.

“They can buy small packs from various shops to maintain their stock,” he said.

“We cannot discount this possibility. Big businesses will always try their best to save cost. It has happened before.”

He also said the government should come up with a mechanism to prevent a competition between regular consumers and the food and beverage industries.

“We must protect our consumers,” he said.