File photo for illustration purposes
KUCHING (July 21): A total of 2,280kg of subsidised cooking oil worth RM5,700 was distributed without valid licences by a wholesaler in Miri between April and July 2024, according to the Auditor-General’s Report 2/2025.
The report revealed that the oil was given away for free to individuals not authorised under the government’s subsidised cooking oil programme.
During interviews, the wholesaler claimed the distribution was carried out on behalf of local residents’ associations and NGOs.
“The wholesaler account has been deactivated until the investigation into the company is completed,” said the report.
The report also found that some retailers were selling more than the allowed three packets of subsidised oil per customer.
The Auditor-General noted that such violations not only breach licensing laws but risk undermining the integrity of the subsidised cooking oil programme intended to benefit targeted groups.
The audit report called for stricter enforcement, better monitoring of wholesaler transactions, and immediate action against errant companies to prevent further abuse of subsidised cooking oil supplies.
On a related matter, the report said a subsidised cooking oil brand produced in Bintulu, Sarawak was among nine brands nationwide without the required halal certification from Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
According to the report, this finding was made following physical inspection and checks on Jakim’s halal portal.
The other subsidised cooking oil brands without halal certification were in Johor Bahru, Johor (one), Pasir Puteh, Kelantan (three), Kota Bharu, Kelantan (three) and Balakong, Selangor (one).
“Halal certification gives consumers confidence that the cooking oil has gone through a rigorous inspection process to ensure it is safe and free from ingredients not permitted by Jakim,” the report stated.
The AG report in its recommendation also said the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Cost of Living (KPDN) must impose mandatory halal certification on all subsidised cooking oil packaging companies as one of the license conditions, and implement legal action against companies that print fake halal logos in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.
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