Cooking oil supply shortage issue yet to reach crisis stage

KUALA LUMPUR - The issue of subsidised cooking oil packets shortage in the country has yet to reach a crisis level as it only involves certain areas which could be solved immediately.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the ministry found that retail stores had underwent internal controls to ensure more customers were able buy the subsidised supplies.

He said the government will continue to monitor the issue so that it would not develop into a crisis.

"So far, the issue has yet reached the crisis stage because the ministry will immediately instruct officers to take appropriate action when there is a case in one place during certain times.

"We could not sue grocery stores as they had to implement internal control in which they will open one box at a time, from morning, afternoon, evening and at night.

"They argued that if four boxes were opened at the same time, it will be sold out immediately," he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said this in response to an additional question from Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) who wanted to know about the actions taken against sellers who sold subsidised cooking oil to restaurants and the status of supply in the market.

Salahuddin explained that the lack of subsidised cooking oil issue was due to the fact that most rural business owners did not have the Cooking Oil Stabilisation Scheme (COSS) system.

"So, the government will make it easier and officers will engage with traders so that their supplies would not be delayed due to the COSS issue. We will also monitor the progress from time to time," he said.

He added that to date, almost 2,898 cases had been investigated and 13 cases had been prosecuted, proving that the ministry did not neglect its duty in carrying out enforcement.