Cooking oil: Govt looking at two-tier pricing, coupon system for B40, SMEs

The government will discuss the ideas of implementing a two-tier pricing system and a coupon for the purchase of subsidised cooking oil, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub said today.

According to the minister, the matter will be taken to the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) which will have a meeting next week.

Salahuddin (above) reportedly told reporters yesterday that the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) had suggested the government implement a coupon system for the B40 group and small-and-medium industry players to purchase subsidised cooking oil, which is sold in one-kg packets.

"We will look into the suggestion by MPOB for implementation of the two-tier pricing system for cooking oil from every aspect.

"The suggestion for implementing the use of coupons has been discussed by the previous minister but is yet to be executed. So, both the suggestions would be taken to the Naccol meeting," Salahuddin said, as quoted by Utusan Malaysia.

He spoke to reporters after attending a discussion with MPOB and cooking oil industry players in Putrajaya. The session was held to better understand issues faced by the industry.

Earlier this year, the previous government had taken the move to abolish subsidies for palm cooking oil in 2kg, 3kg and 5kg bottles.

This was seen as an attempt to ensure that the subsidy can be channelled to eligible recipients through a more targeted approach.

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