THE State Government through Sawit Kinabalu Group launched Sabah’s very own cooking oil, Sayang, an initiative to make the commodity more accessible and affordable to the people.
“The Government is always sensitive to the needs of the people in view of the cooking oil supply shortage and high price lately,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, who is also Chairman of the Sawit Kinabalu Group, at the soft launch of the product at Anjung Selera in Likas, Kota Kinabalu, on Oct 27.
He said this is something people have been waiting for and is in line with the State Government’s aspiration to assist the people in getting affordable cooking oil.
Sayang cooking oil is manufactured by Sawit Kinabalu subsidiary Kunak Edible Oil Sdn Bhd (KEOSB).
Available in 1kg, 2kg and 5kg bottles, the high-quality cooking oil is cheaper than other non-subsidised cooking oil brands in the market.
The non-subsidised cooking oil price (2kg) is RM13.20 while it is RM31 for the 5kg bottle. The price for the subsidised cooking oil would be standard which is RM2.50 per kg, he said.
Hajiji said Sawit Kinabalu’s monthly production capacity is 150 tonnes for subsidised cooking oil and 100 tonnes for non-subsidised cooking oil.
“I hope this will eliminate the issue of cooking oil shortage in the market,” he said, adding that the oil will be made available throughout Sabah.
Fulfilling the need of the people in Sabah is the priority right now, he said when asked whether this product is also meant for export.
Meanwhile, Sawit Kinabalu Group Managing Director Datuk Bacho Jansie said KEOSB will work with local companies such as Sthamin Supermarket and several other marketing agents to be appointed to market the cooking oil.
Sawit Kinabalu through another subsidiary company, Kunak Refinery Sdn Bhd will also be supplying subsidised cooking oil (1kg packet) to the people in the state.
Earlier, the Chief Minister went on an impromptu walkabout to greet and distribute the Sayang cooking oil to food hawkers operating at Anjung Selera.
Also present were Deputy Sawit Kinabalu Chairman Datuk Rubin Balang, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, Sedcovest Holdings General Manager Amir Karim, Sthamin Managing Director Busthamin Haji Paita and Sawit Kinabalu Group board members.
