Sixty million packets of cooking oil in one-kilogramme packets are being produced in stages throughout this month and the amount is enough to cover the needs of consumers nationwide, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
He said 20 million one-kilogramme cooking oil packs had been produced in the first 10 days of this month, 20 million packs would be out in the second 10 days and another 20 million packs in the last 10 days.
"The issue of scarce supply of cooking oil in the market has started to subside compared to the first week of November. The number of complaints received by the ministry (on cooking oil shortage) has also reduced to 400 compared to nearly 1,000 complaints in the first week of November," he told reporters after attending the ministry's monthly assembly here today.
Beginning Nov 1, bottled cooking oil was sold at prices fixed by the manufacturers while the subsidised one-kilogramme packets remained at RM2.50.
Hamzah said cooking oil shortage in the market happened because of the confusion among manufacturers and repackers, panic buying by consumers and hoarding oil by certain groups.
Asked on the proposal to sell one-kilogramme cooking oil in bottle, Hamzah said the matter should be discussed in detail because each bottle cost 47 sen.
On claims in social media that the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) would be increased by RM7 per cylinder next year, he said the ministry had lodged a police report at the Putrajaya Police Headquarters yesterday.
"The ministry wants the police to investigate the people who started the rumour," he said.
Meanwhile, in KUALA TERENGGANU, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) director for Terengganu Azlan Abdul Samat said the purchase of cooking oil in bulk must be referred to its offices in the state.
He said it was to facilitate purchase especially from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or government departments and agencies for flood victims.
"When referred to the ministry, we will issue a letter that allows repackers or wholesalers to sell the oil in bulk to the NGOs or the government departments and agencies.
"It is also to ensure that bulk purchases will be recorded to avoid misunderstanding towards the wholesalers or repackers," he told Bernama. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Nov 16 2016
Sixty million packets of cooking oil in one-kilogramme packets are being produced in stages throughout this month and the amount is enough to cover the needs of consumers nationwide. -Filepix
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.