SUGAR mills will not be closed, says Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh.
He gave this assurance amidst concerns over the reoccurring challenges affecting mill operations.
“This Government has made it abundantly clear, we are not here to close mills,” Mr Sigh said.
“We are here to rebuild them, to modernise them, and to make them efficient and future ready.
“Mills that can diversify, add value, and open new doors of opportunity for our hardworking farmers.
“We understand that a mill is far more than just a processing plant; it is the heartbeat of a community, the foundation of local livelihoods, and a proud symbol of our nation’s resilience.”
Mr Sigh said despite the setback caused by the fire at the Rarawai mill, Government was still working towards better mill management and operations.
“We are working to improve mill performance through better management, equipment upgrades, and continuous oversight.
“Prior to the unfortunate fire incident, significant investments had been made in the Rarawai mill, particularly in upgrading the boiler system, which had been the main cause of breakdowns in previous years.
“The mill was operating well this season before the fire, showing clear signs of improvement.
“We will recover from this setback, and we will bounce back stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.” He said groundwork had begun for a new mill to compensate for the loss of the Penang Sugar Mill in Rakiraki.
