KUALA LUMPUR: The Plantations and Commodities Ministry has warned against discriminatory labelling of palm oil, stating that action will be taken against companies found in violation.
It said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will no longer allow products with such labels to be sold.
"It has been 1,024 days since the Trade Descriptions (Prohibition of Use of Statement, Expression or Indication) (Oil Palm Product and Palm Oil Goods) Regulation under the Trade Descriptions Act came into effect," the ministry said in a statement.
"Thousands of inspections have been carried out by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry since then, but some premises are still selling products with discriminatory labels against palm oil."
The ministry added that the two-year grace period to remove such products should have been sufficient.
"We urge these parties to immediately cease the importation and sale of products with discriminatory labels."
Violators face fines of up to RM250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years upon conviction.
The ministry said it will continue supporting the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry in efforts to combat discriminatory labelling.
"We urge the public to remain vigilant when purchasing goods. If any products carry questionable labels, such as the 'No Palm Oil' label, complaints can be submitted."
Reports can be lodged via WhatsApp (019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000), the e-Aduan portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my, the EZ Adu KPDN app, or the hotline at 1-800-886-800.
Last year, a convenience store in Putrajaya was raided by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for selling food products with a label bearing the words "No Palm Oil".
The ministry added that it, along with the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, held a seminar in November to raise awareness of the issue. The seminar involved various ministries, agencies, business associations, and companies involved in the importation, distribution, and sale of products.