JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has warned licensed cooking oil repackaging companies not to engage in the smuggling and misappropriation of controlled goods.
Its minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said his ministry would not hesitate to take action against any oil supplier found to be misusing the supply of controlled goods.
"We will not compromise with any cooking oil repackaging company that is found to be misusing or smuggling subsidised controlled item, which is one kilogram (kg) polybag cooking oil, across the border.
"Strict action will be taken to ensure that the supply of controlled goods, especially subsidised cooking oil in the country, is always sufficient.
"KPDN has launched Ops Terjah enabling ministry personnel to identify and take immediate action in the event of smuggling, misappropriation or misuse of all subsidised goods, especially cooking oil polybags of one kg," he said.
He said this at a press conference after checking on complaints of broken elevators at the Melana Indah People's Housing Project (PPR) Phase 1, Block Kenyalang, here, today.
Also present was Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Liew Chin Tong, who is the Iskandar Puteri Member of Parliament and Perling State Assemblyman.
Salahuddin, who is also the Pulai Member of Parliament and Simpang Jeram assemblyman, said he had also conducted a surprise check at the market in addition to several grocery stores in the Perling area.
The check showed there was a supply of subsidised cooking oil, but its quantity was insufficient.
"There is a supply of subsidised cooking oil but the supply is limited.
"Similarly, subsidised or controlled grade chicken eggs are not on the market. We will overcome this issue by dealing with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry," he said.
Meanwhile, Salahuddin said small traders from the B40 group are given the flexibility to buy and use one kg of subsidised polybag cooking oil.
"We found that small traders involved in small and medium industries (SMEs) also buy subsidised cooking oil packets to do business.
"Those who are also in the B40 category, we give the flexibility to use subsidised cooking oil packets.
"A mechanism has been proposed to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim so that these SME traders can continue to use subsidised cooking oil packets after the introduction of targeted subsidies later," he said.
Salahuddin also urged KPDN enforcement members to take people-friendly measures in reprimanding traders who commit minor offences.
"We need to understand those small traders are now in the recovery period after the Covid-19 pandemic. The enforcement officers can give advice and warnings first before any legal action is taken.
"Nonetheless, KPDN will not compromise on traders who are committing serious offences, especially smuggling subsidised cooking oil to neighbouring countries," he said.
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