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GEORGE TOWN – The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has intensified operations to ensure an adequate supply of subsidised packet cooking oil in Penang.
State director Mohd Ridzuan Ab Ghapar said enforcement teams have carried out inspections of 4,011 business premises so far this month to ensure there is no abuse involving the subsidised item.
“Currently, the production of subsidised packaged cooking oil in Penang is 3.3 million kilogrammes per month, three times more than the state’s population of approximately onemillion.
“So far, the supply of cooking oil is sufficient, and complaints on shortage have come down,” he told reporters after an inspection operation at Pasar Awam Tanjung Bungah in conjunction with the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme from January 29 to February 4 for Chinese New Year.
Previously, the media reported shortages of subsidised 1kg polybags of cooking oil in Penang following complaints from petty traders and consumers.
Ridzuan said the ministry has conducted inspections at the retailer level, involving 24 packaging companies and 800 wholesalers, to ensure cooking oil supply is adequate and that there are no irregularities at all levels.
In a related development, he said there was a slight disruption in the supply of chicken eggs in the market due to lack of production at the breeders’ level, and not along the supply chain as reported in the media two days ago.
“The situation will be back to normal soon with the breeders having taken several immediate measures to resolve the shortage,” he assured. – Bernama, January 30, 2022