Action taken against JB shop selling subsidised cooking oil, says Domestic Trade Ministry

The Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has identified and taken action against the premises believed to be involved in selling subsidised 1kg packets of cooking oil, according to its director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo. She stated that the ministry has opened an investigation paper on the matter and further investigation would be carried out. Lilis Saslinda also highlighted that Johor KPDN has been continuously monitoring the supply of basic necessities throughout the state. She acknowledged the viral video that allegedly took place around the Pandan Wholesale Market.

Furthermore, Lilis Saslinda mentioned that on Sunday (Sept 17), enforcement officers conducted an inspection and discovered that the premises failed to comply with Regulation 13 of the Supply Control Regulations 1974. She confirmed that further investigations are being conducted to ensure that there is no leakage or malpractice involving the supply of cooking oil sold in 1kg polybags. In terms of penalties, if found guilty, those involved can face fines of up to RM1mil or imprisonment for three years, or both, for the first offence. For the second offence, the fine is not more than RM3mil, imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both.

Lilis Saslinda explained that for organizations or corporations, the fine is not more than RM2mil for the first offence and RM5mil for the second and subsequent offences. She also stated that the monitoring and inspection carried out by the ministry’s enforcement found that the supply of essential goods was sufficient and easily obtainable as a whole. Inspections on all levels of the distribution chain, including manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, were conducted to ensure there is no leakage or deviation of supply that could affect the market, especially in Johor.

She emphasized that the state KPDN will act efficiently and quickly, without compromising the enforcement of the law, to combat misappropriation of subsidised controlled goods in the interests of the people. Prior to this, a three-minute video recording went viral, showing foreigners allegedly selling several boxes containing 1kg packets of cooking oil at a premises in Johor Baru.