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KOTA BARU – Stern action, including a revamp of the supply system, will be taken if the leakage and smuggling of subsidised cooking oil to neighbouring countries continues, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
The Jihad Against Inflation Special Task Force chairman said the move was among the measures proposed after the task force’s investigation found sufficient evidence of subsidised cooking oil being smuggled abroad.
He said due to the leakage, some towns located near the border in the neighbouring country have been getting a constant supply of subsidised cooking oil which is sold at between RM7 and RM8 per kg.
“Investigations revealed that our subsidised cooking oil is being sold by the cartons in boxes, and when they come in boxes which are unopened, these are directly from the packaging factories.
“Certain parties are found to be involved. I do not want to divulge our plans here, but I just want to say that we are working hard and those involved are not going to escape,” he told a press conference at a Korban Perdana programme for the Ketereh parliamentary constituency here today.
Elaborating, the Ketereh MP said initial action had been taken to address the leakage problem involving the supply of subsidised cooking oil.
“If I were to mention in detail, it will only jeopardise what the task force had set (out) to do, suffice to say, we already have enough information. Action has already been taken and there will be more to come.
“My advice, please stop what you are doing, because if the current system cannot be improved, I will consider overhauling the entire supply system of subsidised oil,” he said.
Annuar said the task force was aware that if the system is overhauled, it could affect businesses that are not involved in the smuggling, but priority must be given to the people’s needs.
“It may affect some businesses and traders, but it has to be done because people out there are not getting the subsidised cooking oil from the RM4 billion the government has spent on.
Currently, he said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has identified an action plan to overcome the shortage of cooking oil, adding that in two months’ time, the supply shortage problem (at the retail level) would be solved.
Annuar said he would be meeting 22 cooking oil producers next week.
“I want to convey the message personally, that they must work together to control leakage and follow the rules.
“If this were to fail and as long as there is continued misuse of subsidised cooking oil, I will not hesitate to revamp the whole system and the Jihad Against Inflation Special Task Force will take stern action,” he said. – Bernama, July 11, 2022