We’ll check claims of cooking oil being smuggled out, says Mustapa

KOTA BHARU: The government views seriously the problem of leakage in the supply of subsidised cooking oil, which is said to be partly due to it being smuggled to neighbouring countries, says economic affairs minister Mustapa Mohamed.

He said his office took a serious view of the matter with the shortage of cooking oil supply in the country.

“We held discussions with various parties to obtain clearer information on the issue, including with the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry.

“We want to know how serious this matter is because the government provides subsidies for the locals to enjoy, but it is enjoyed by foreigners.

“This should not be happening,” he said when met after surveying the prices of daily necessities and goods at the Tunjong Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) here today.

Mustapa, who is also a member of the task force to address inflation, said the team would hold its third meeting tomorrow with the focus on two main issues — the shortage of subsidised cooking oil and the rising prices of essential goods. — Free Malaysia Today