17 complaints on cooking oil shortage filed in Malacca since Oct 7

Since Oct 7 to date, the Malacca branch of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Ministry has received 17 complaints on shortage of cooking oil supply, especially in 5kg bottles.

Its director, Jaiya Abu, said one of the cases led to the seizure of 12 bottles of 5kg cooking oil worth RM314.34 after a retailer in Taman Melaka Baru here was caught storing supplies without a permit Tuesday.

"The retailer did not have a permit and was probably stocking up the cooking oil to sell them at the new increased price to make some profit," he told reporters after inspecting a shop premises in Merlimau near here Wednesday.

Also present were the branch's deputy director, Hamzah Mahadi and deputy enforcement chief Rosley Abdullah.

Elaborating, Jaiya said since Oct 7, enforcement officers have checked on 796 premises in the state and the operation would continue from time to time to ensure retailers sell the controlled items at reasonable prices.

"Based on our records, there are eight cooking oil repackagers and 67 registered edible oil wholesalers in Melaka and they too will be monitored," he said.

"Customers encountering problems with cooking oil supply may channel their complaints via 1Malaysia One Call Centre at 03-80008000 or Strategic Operation Information Centre toll-free number 1-800-886-800, or email to [email protected], or send short message service to 15888," he added. -- Bernama