KUALA LUMPUR: Several organisations came out in full support of the move for a mandatory trading licence for controlled goods, saying it would ensure a constant supply of sugar.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Datuk N. Marimuthu said he was optimistic the situation would be resolved in a couple of weeks.

"It will be normal again if the government does away with the sugar subsidy."

Marimuthu said licensing was necessary to trace those involved in the hoarding of sugar."At least there will be control and the ministry can keep tabs on orders to find out who is ordering more than is needed."

In Alor Star, the Consumer Association of Kedah urged the government to remain firm with the directive.

Its president, Datuk Yusoff Ismail, said the Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Associations was holding the government and people to ransom, and that it was uncalled for.

"The federation should withdraw its decision to boycott the sale of the controlled items."

Citing an example, Yusoff said the requirement for traders to obtain a special licence to sell the "Super Tempatan 15" rice helped check against shortage of the item. "So, why must we object to the directive if it is for the good of all?"

The manufacturing industry's key players said the sugar shortage issue had not impacted them so far. A spokesman of Munchy Food Industries Sdn Bhd, who declined to be named, said the company had not faced any problems in obtaining sugar as their purchase was based on a quota system.

"Our quota is calculated based on purchases last year so our business has not been affected so far."

Kart Food Industries Sdn Bhd assistant marketing manager Ng Wan Lee also said the company's production had not encountered any problems so far. However, she admitted that if the issue was prolonged, it would be affected.

"Since we depend heavily on sugar, this will impact us and other manufacturers in the long run," she said, adding that the sugar shortage should be resolved soon.