In a move to check on hoarding of cooking oil, the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) inspected 22,498 business premises selling cooking oil nationwide between Oct 21 and yesterday.
Its enforcement director, Mohd Roslan Mahayudin said during the period, the ministry seized 42.25 metric tonnes of cooking oil worth about RM120,000 when it detected 25 errant cases.
He said among others, the cases involved hoarding cooking oil (10), failure to update stocks in record books (five) and selling without licence (four)," he told Bernama here on Monday.
Mohd Roslan said the ministry also received 269 complaints nationwide during the same period, out of which 144 cases were solved while the rest were under investigation.
"Selangor recorded the highest number at 75 complaints, followed by Johor (43) and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (24).
"Among the reasons for the complaints were absence of cooking oil supply and sale at a higher price.
On Oct 26, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin announced that effective Nov 1, the price of cooking oil in 1kg packets would remain at RM2.50 per pack whereas cooking oil in bottles weighing above 1kg would be based on market prices, following restructuring of the Cooking Oil Stabilisation Scheme (COSS).
In IPOH, state consumer affairs, human resources and civil society committee chairman Datuk Samsudin Abu Hassan urged KPDNKK to monitor the market price of cooking oil in bottles to ensure it matched the costs borne by players in the industry.
He said the market price of cooking oil in bottles was viewed as unreasonable after COSS was implemented.
"This has been the people's lament. For instance, if the price for cooking oil in 5kg bottle used to be RM13.35, now it sold up to RM21. Such a price increase is not relevant.
"Therefore, I propose the government look back whether that should be the selling price after taking into account all the costs involved or, are the industry players deliberately taking advantage of the COSS implementation?," he asked.
Samsudin was speaking to reporters after officiating the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Campaign and Perak Fair Price Shop Awards 2016 at the Federal Building here today.
Meanwhile, a check by Bernama in KUANTAN revealed consumers face shortage of cooking oil, especially in packets.
The check also revealed the supply for palm oil-based cooking oil is insufficient, while some supermarkets here sell only corn oil in bottles, which is relatively more expensive.
Restaurant operator Muhamad Akman Mustafa, 43, is left depressed as it is difficult for him to obtain cooking oil supply.
"I have to look for the suply at several supermarkets because the stocks always run out everytime I need to buy cooking oil for my restaurant, he said. -- Bernama
Bernama
Mon Nov 07 2016
The ministry also received 269 complaints nationwide during the same period, out of which 144 cases were solved while the rest were under investigation. - FILEpic
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.