Salahuddin Ayub: No shortage of subsidised cooking oil in the market
23.02.2023 (The Star) - KUALA LUMPUR: There is no shortage of subsidised cooking oil packets, says Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said 60 metric tonnes have been supplied for the purpose and there was ample supply.
"It is enough for the B40 group, which comprises about 8.6.million households based on the National Statistics Department," he said in reply to a question raised by Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday. (Feb 13)
Cha wanted to know if the government intends to increase the quota of packet cooking oil following incidents of supply shortages.
Although Malaysia produces its own palm oil, Salahuddin said that only 6% of the output is used locally.
He added that the Ministry was aware that subsidised cooking oil for the B40 is also used by several other groups.
"The issue is that we cannot be too hard on enforcement as some of those purchasing the cooking oil are small operators or roadside stalls including small and medium businesses that are trying to get back on their feet after the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.
Nevertheless, Salahuddin said his Ministry had conducted several enforcement operations to ensure the subsidised item was being sold to those it was meant for.
He said 2,898 checks had been carried out over the past two months with 13 cases prosecuted in court.
Salahuddin said his ministry has proposed for a two-tier pricing system to be implemented for the subsidised item.
He said this was brought up to the National Action Council on Cost of Living on how to implement the two-tier pricing system.
He said such a system would ensure targeted subsidies would benefit only those who are eligible.