Govt may discontinue subsidy for 1 litre bottled cooking oil

PUTRAJAYA: The government may discontinue the 1 litre bottle of subsidised cooking oil due to lukewarm response from consumers.
Domestic Trade, Co-operatives, and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said feedback from retailers shows that consumers still prefer to buy the old 1kg bag of subsidised oil.
"The reception is not very good because buying the 1kg bag is cheaper. The 1kg bag costs RM2.50 while the 1 litre bottle costs RM2.90 or RM2.95," Hamzah told a press conference today.
He said retailers will continue selling the bottled oil for another few months but if response from consumers is still lagging then it may be discontinued.
The government introduced bottled subsidised cooking oil to provide consumers with more variety late last year.
Meanwhile, Hamzah said the rising prices of mackerel (ikan kembung) is due to low supply at the moment and he had already approached the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry about the matter.
"I have spoken to the Minister (Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek) about ensuring there is adequate supply of mackerel. Either we can import more mackerel or restrict export. He will look for the best way to get enough supply," he said.
Hamzah was attending the excellence awards ceremony at the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives, and Consumerism Ministry, which saw outstanding staff members recognised for their hard work.