12/12/2013 (Bernama) - Checks by the Ministry of Health (MOH) found that used cooking oil is not sold freely in the local market, the Dewan Rakyat heard Wednesday.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said used cooking oil was sold by shops or restaurants to licensed companies for processing into other bases such as biodiesel or for export.

"The importation, manufacture and sale of used cooking oil is not permitted under the Food Act 1983 ," he said replying to a question from Senator Roslin Abdul Rahman.

Roslin asked about government action and measures undertaken to address the issue of alleged sale of used cooking oil in this country.

Hilmi said offenders could be prosecuted under Section 13 of the Food Act 1983 and fined not more RM100,000 or jailed up to ten years or both.

Replying to a supplementary question from Senator Dr Syed Husin Ali, he said MOH always ensures that cooking oil in the market does not contain hazardous materials and safe for consumption.

"We took samples from 173 'repacker' premises or compannies granted licence by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board to buy processed cooking oil in bulk for sale or packaging and found no evidence of processing or packing of used cooking oil," he said.