SHAH ALAM, 5 June: The shortage of cooking oil and wheat flour in the market over the past two weeks should be given special attention due to the approaching Ramadhan and Aidilfitri.
The Chairman of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Consumerism Bureau, Yahya Shari, said that the government, particularly the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK), should take proactive and serious measures in addressing this often recurring issue.
He said that the shortage of basic necessities has been happening since the 1960’s, however, until now, no drastic action has been taken to address this issue, which happens when a festive season draws near.
He said that the often recurring problem is seen as planned and conspired by certain parties in order to increase the prices of goods.
“We, at the Consumerism Bureau, have received complaints and reactions from consumers, especially in Selangor and Kedah. We are concerned that if it continues, it will cause shortage in every grocery store and supermarket.
“There is even a decrease in cooking oil in packets compared to bottled cooking oil. This is very troubling because consumers demand for this supply during festivals.
“We are worried if traders have to control purchases by only allowing the purchase of one packet per family,” he said when contacted by Selangor Kini today.
Yahya urged the ministry to continuously monitor this supply through the supply chain, including manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers and retailers.
“Agencies involved can check the daily production data of the chain to ensure the entry and exit of goods.
“It is not a difficult move if it is done continuously. Agencies involved should also have high integrity and they have to work harder to address this matter,” he said.
Recently, surveys done at some grocery stores and supermarkets in the state found that the supply of the two goods has decreased. In fact, some traders and mini-markets are also facing problems with their stock of cooking oil in packets.
In Kedah, the two necessary goods have been reported to have finished in the market and traders find it difficult to obtain supply.
Following the demand of the good or product that exceeds the supply, the prices of the two items listed under controlled items is no longer controlled.
The sales price of cooking oil has increased to RM3.20 per kilogram compared to RM2.50 previously, while the price of wheat flour has increased to RM1.80 per kilogram compared to RM1.35 previously, especially in rural areas.
