Govt discussed removing packet cooking oil subsidy - Rafizi

The government has discussed the issue of abolishing the packet cooking oil subsidy to address the problem of leakages, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.

He said if the packet cooking oil subsidy is abolished, it could pose certain risks as the government had spent millions of ringgit for the subsidy.

“A similar situation will happen whether subsidised cooking oil is hard to find or is in Thailand.

“So, this matter (packet cooking oil) is under the regulation of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and this issue has been discussed numerous times at the cabinet level,” he said.

Rafizi said this at a media conference after the Economy Ministry’s 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) engagement session with the Kelantan government at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim, Kota Bharu today.

The Pandan MP said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will decide on the matter, after which it will present to the cabinet at a suitable time.

“Right now, the ministry is going through the process of reviewing the best way to subsidise cooking oil without involving huge leakages,” he said.

Rafizi said that, at his ministry’s level, he needs to wait for the cabinet presentation to see if there is a better method.

It was previously reported that the government was advised to abolish the packet cooking oil subsidy and replace it with financial aid to the targeted groups to address the issue of misappropriation and leakage.

- Bernama

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