TAK BAI (SOUTHERN THAILAND): As Malaysians find it hard to buy subsidised cooking oil nationwide, there is no problem finding the item in the border towns of south Thailand as stocks over here are in abundance.
While previous reports had shown that the subsidised Malaysian cooking oil in 1kg polybags were being sold in Sungai Golok, which is next to Kelantan, it now appears that the item had become widely available in other provinces.
The New Straits Times spoke to several Thai nationals, who said the 1kg cooking oil from Malaysia could easily be obtained in their country.
"This has been going on for many years. Many Thais are aware that these cooking oils are subsidised items and only meant to be sold in Malaysia.
"Just like how some Malaysians like to eat Thai rice, some Thais also like to buy Malaysian cooking oil as they are cheap and of good quality compared with those sold here in Tak Bai," said one local who only wished to be known as Kak Yam.
The 52-year-old, who hails from Kampung Poyok here said subsidised Malaysian cooking oil could be found not just in Tak Bai town, but also in Sungai Golok, adjacent to Rantau Panjang.
"The Malaysian cooking oil is usually sold here for between 50 to 55 baht per packet (around RM6.50 to RM7)," she said.
A trader, who only wished to be known as Mat Sulaiman, said the 1kg cooking oil smuggled from Kelantan were openly sold at several shops here.
"They're very popular and are always sold out, to the extent that locals here sometimes have problems securing supplies," said the trader, who hails from Waeng.
He said subsidised Malaysian cooking oil was cheaper compared to Thai cooking oil, which retailed for around 77 baht (around RM10.30).
"This is why the 1kg Malaysian oil is more popular. Locals are also happy that they can buy the oil without limit," said the 47-year-old.
A quick check by the NST at the popular Tak Bai market found several stalls selling the 1kg cooking oil from Malaysia.
Sources familiar with the matter said subsidised Malaysian cooking oil was easily available in border towns in Narathiwat province, such as Sungai Golok, Waeng and Sungai Padi.
However, they were usually hard to find in other places such as Danok and Sadao.
On June 3, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the government is taking a serious approach on the shortage of subsidised cooking oil, which had been exacerbated by smuggling.