PORT KLANG, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The Domestic Trade and Consumer AffairsMinistry is investigating three palm oil wholesalers who are said to behoarding the commodity to create an artificial shortage.

The Ministry's Director-General of Enforcement, Abdullah Nawawi Mohamad,said the companies, two in the Klang Valley and one in Perak, were beinginvestigated under the Supplies Control Act 1961.

"This follows complaints from traders that the companies had reduced theirdelivery of palm oil in the past two days and if there is a case, we willcharge them in court," he said after conducting checks at a palm oilsupply company in Pandamaran here Tuesday.

Abdullah Nawawi said the Ministry would take stern action againstsuppliers or traders who hoarded cooking oil to force an increase in theceiling price. Those found guilty could be fined up to RM25,000 or jailedtwo years or both, he said.

He added that cooking oil manufacturers had to produce the commodityaccording to the licenced operating hours and normal output levels eachday.

"If any manufacturer stops, it will disrupt supply in the market. If theywant to stop manufacturing, they need to inform the Ministry and statetheir reasons for stopping," he said.

On today's operation, Abdullah Nawawi said the Ministry would continue tomonitor the situation by carrying out similar checks at major oilproducers, small factories and wholesalers.

-- BERNAMA