PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) has refuted claims that the price of the one kilogram (kg) cooking oil packet had skyrocketed in the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the one kilogram (kg) cooking oil packet was a controlled subsidised item since 2007 and was retailed at RM2.50 a kilogram, whereas the 5kg bottle of cooking oil was subjected to an open market price.
"A 1kg of packet cooking oil is a controlled subsidised item since 2007," he said in a statement today.
On Saturday, Alexander conducted round checks at Kipp Mall shopping complex, Kota Warisan and Giant Distribution Centre at Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi in Sepang to monitor the compliance on the standard operating procedures (SOP) and price control items in the trade sector.
The minister was accompanied by the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad and enforcement director Azman Adam.
Alexander said since Nov 2016, the government through the ministry had initiated the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (COSS) by subsidising the one kilogram of cooking oil.
He said the government continues to provide cooking oil subsidy in a 1kg polybag to ensure that the people would enjoy foods with affordable price.
The minister said the KPDNHEP was committed to ensuring an adequate supply of subsidised cooking oil in the market.
"To ensure adequate needs, KPDNHEP will conduct continuous checks on cooking oil manufacturers and packaging companies, conduct auditing at all cooking oil supply chains and daily inspections on retailers, wholesalers and supermarkets," he said.
Meanwhile, Alexander said throughout the MCO a total of 477 business premises had been given a warning and advised to comply with the SOP during the inspection.
"A total of 7,355 more premises had been advised to comply with the SOP consistently while conducting businesses.
"Throughout the enforcement operations till Jan 16, the ministry had conducted 321, 850 inspections on business premises nationwide.
"From the inspection, a total of 314,018 premises were found to abide by the SOP and the ministry is committed to boosting its operations from time to time," he said.
Alexander also said the inspection was aimed at ensuring that there are enough essential goods for consumers.