BUTTERWORTH: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and consumerism Ministry (MDTCC) yesterday gave the assurance of adequate supply of cooking oil in the country to meet demand for the coming Aidilfitri celebration.
Its deputy minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md.Hanipah, said there was no need for consumers to be unduly worried as necessary measures had been taken.
“The ministry has increased by another 10 per cent the supply of cooking oil for repackers in preparation of the Aidilfitri celebration.
“During early Ramadan, there was panic buying, which resulted in shortage of the supply, but the problem had been addressed,” he told reporters after a visit to a wholesaler, Ban Chuan Huat Sdn Bhd, here yesterday.
Meanwhile, during a visit to Pasar Awam Bagan Ajam earlier, he urged consumers to help monitor the price of goods, especially of the 18 controlled items, in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration.
He said their cooperation was necessary to ensure traders do not take advantage of the festive season to increase prices of goods.
The ministry has fixed the maximum price for 18 controlled items for 17 days, enforced since yesterday until Aug 5, in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration.
The items include live chicken, local beef, imported beef (maximum price in Sarawak only), chicken eggs, red chili, tomato, shallots, garlic, potato and coconut. — Bernama