Call for tougher actions against abuse of subsidised goods

Several members of Parliament on Monday wanted the government to mete out heavier penalty, including caning traders or any individuals taking advantage of subsidised goods such as cooking oil.

Datuk Seri Hasan Arifin (BN-Rompin) said the irresponsible act of hoarding and smuggling subsidised goods was a serious crime as it caused problems to the people especially the poor who badly needed the items.

"If there is a large quantity of goods hoarded, I am proposing those convicted be caned for causing hardship to the poor who should be enjoying the subsidy," he said when debating on the 2017 Supply Bill at committee stage for the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry at Dewan Rakyat here, Monday.

Sharing the same view was Datuk Normala Abdul Samad (BN-Pasir Gudang) who wanted the government to cancel the business licence of such errant traders as a lesson to others.

"Arrest them, withdraw their licences. Do not license them anymore as many others who are more honest want to trade," she said.

Meanwhile, G. Manivannan (PKR-Kapar) said the time had come for the government to introduce an act for a more appropriate sentence against such traders.

When winding up the debate on the ministry under the 2017 Supply Bill, its Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said the ministry would be looking at the overall situation to find the best solution to combat the issue.

"At the moment, we are looking on the whole situation and not just one act so that we could also improve other acts as well," he said.

Hamzah also stressed that the quota for subsidised cooking oil in one kilogramme pack was more than sufficient compared to the estimated consumption needed for 30 million people.

He said consumption was estimated at 36,000 tonnes a month, but the government had issued more than 50,000 tonnes during the period.

"I admit there would be insufficient cooking oil if some consumers purchase more than what the suppliers could replenish," he said.

On the allegations that subsidised cooking oil packed in plastic bags were of inferior quality, Hamzah said the people were assured of the quality and they were not recycled oil as alleged by some quarters.

Hamzah also denied allegations that the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) would go up by RM7 a cylinder next year.

"The government has not even considered the matter and there is already a rumour," he said. -- Bernama