Action taken against JB shop selling subsidised cooking oil, says Domestic Trade Ministry

JOHOR BARU: The premises believed to be involved in selling subsidised 1kg packets of cooking oil has been identified and action taken against it, says the Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).

Its director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the ministry has opened up an investigation paper on the matter and further investigation would be carried out.

She added that Johor KPDN has taken proactive measures by continuously monitoring the supply of basic necessities throughout the state.

“The ministry is aware of a viral video that was reported to have taken place around the Pandan Wholesale Market here.

“On Sunday (Sept 17), our enforcement officers conducted an inspection and found that the premises failed to comply with Regulation 13 of the Supply Control Regulations 1974.

“Further investigations are being conducted to ensure that there is no leakage or malpractice, especially involving the supply of cooking oil sold in 1kg polybags,” she said here on Monday (Sept 18).

Lilis Saslinda added that if found guilty, those involved can be fined up to RM1mil or imprisoned for three years or both for the first offence, while for the second offence, the fine is not more than RM3mil or imprisoned for not more than 5 years or both upon conviction.

She said for organisations or corporations, the fine is not more than RM2mil for the first offence and RM5mil for the second and subsequent offences.

Lilis Saslinda also said that results of the monitoring and inspection conducted by the ministry’s enforcement found that the supply of essential goods was sufficient and easy to obtain as a whole.

“Inspections on all levels of the distribution chain involving manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers are made to ensure that there is no leakage or deviation of supply that could affect supply in the market especially in Johor.

“The state KPDN will act efficiently and quickly and will not compromise in enforcing the law to combat misappropriation of subsidised controlled goods in the interests of the people,” she added.

Earlier, a 3-minute video recording went viral showing several boxes believed to contain 1kg packets of cooking oil being sold by foreigners at a premises in Johor Baru.