SANDAKAN: Certain brands of cooking oil are still subsidised by the State Government, with a market price of RM29.70 for a 5kg bottle.
Addressing the issue of certain cooking oils priced at over RM40 per 5KG bottle, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister (KPDNHEP) Alexander Nanta Linggi explained that these types were not subsidised by the Government.
“Cooking oil sold for more than RM29.70 often have an added substance. It is not subsidised by the Government.
“They are allowed to sell at the price they want, but it must be affordable,” he told reporters at the Walkabout Launch of the 2022 Kaamatan Maximum Price Scheme at Bataras Hypermarket.
Thus, Alexander advised the public not to wrongly perceive it as a price hike, adding that consumers must be wise when selecting a cooking oil to purchase.
He explained that the more expensive cooking oils could be attributed to rising prices of crude palm oil, which has increased to RM7,000 per metric tonne.
“However, as a concerned Government, it still subsidises 5kg bottles of cooking oil with the RM29.70 price cap,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alexander welcomed the cooperation of all parties in curbing cooking oil misappropriation activities that often occur in Sabah.
“People can channel reports and complaints on such activities that they know of to KPDNHEP. We will investigate the matter,” he added.
