07/06/2008 (The Star Online), Miri - Panic buying of cooking oil has started in northern Sarawak following talk that the price of this essential commodity may increase by up to 50% today.

The cooking oil rush was seen at all supermarkets and retail outlets starting from 5pm yesterday, sparked by an SMS rumour.

Just two days ago, the rush for petrol and diesel fuel caused traffic jams amid panic buying hours before the hike on Wednesday night.

However, the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry has reassured consumers that there is no official approval for the price of 1kg, 3kg and 5kg bottles of cooking oil to be increased.

“The Government has not approved any increase for these three categories. Anyone who raises the prices would be committing an offence.

“MPOB (Malaysian Palm Oil Board) has not approved any increase. The price is controlled by MPOB for these three categories,” said minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui through his political secretary Sebastian Ting.