KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Community Development and Welfare Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya warned business owners against smuggling palm cooking oil once subsidies are lifted for bottled products by July 1.
He said a recent spot check in 10 premises here and Putatan found that supplies of the subsidised 1kg packet cooking oil in nine stores are sold out.
“We have around 37 repackers who have permits and quota to supply subsidised cooking oil. They are supplying to the wholesalers.
“Don’t work in cahoots with those trying to smuggle our cooking oil,” said Shahelmey after launching the electric bus pilot programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today.
He added that smugglers are taking advantage of the subsidised prices for packet cooking oil.
“I am also appealing to rich consumers to allow low-income earners to buy the subsidised cooking oil.”
Earlier this week, the government will end all subsidies on bottled cooking palm oil products effective July 1, with the current price of RM29.70 for a 5kg bottle expected to increase.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the subsidy, introduced last year and initially meant to last for only three months, will be removed for bottled products sold in 2kg, 3kg, and 5kg.
According to the ministry, the maximum retail price for palm cooking oil in 5kg bottles is at RM29.70 per bottle, 1kg bottle (RM6.70), 2kg (RM12.70), and 3kg (RM18.70). – The Vibes, June 24, 2022
