Several backbenchers today uged stronger control and enforcement regarding the price of cooking oil.

They wanted this following the announcement of a price increase for cooking oil which has caused some panic buying.

Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) said the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry must act to ensure consumers are not deceived and traders do not take advantage of the price hike.

“I ask people not to be influenced by any party who try to confuse them. This is actually an attempt to allow the cooking oil subsidy to be enjoyed by the people and the target group.

“The government can transfer the subsidy to other programmes to help people and I believe that this is in line with the prime minister’s request not to focus on bulk subsidy but targeted subsidy instead,” he said when met at the Parliament lobby.

Mastura Mohd Yazid (BN-Kuala Kangsar), said the issue of rising prices of cooking oil certainly would cause people to feel angry, but she was confident the government was doing its best to keep the situation under control.

“I think the government’s subsidy rationalisation on cooking oil is a wise move, but there will be unscrupulous people who will be using the issue to their favour and against the government.

“So I ask the entire population to understand the government’s reason and be patient. I also hope that it can be controlled as soon as possible,” she said.

Dr Makin @ Marcus Mojigoh (BN-Putatan), when met, said immediate action must be taken against any dealer found capitalising on the issue of rising prices of cooking oil.

- Bernama