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The Star
27 minutes ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Subsidised cooking oil sold for prayer use'
Murugiah is urging the authorities to compel prayer oil traders to declare the source of their products and list the retail price in their packaging. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star Penang Hindu Association claims unscrupulous suppliers making profits of over 200% by repackaging product Penang Hindu Association (PHA) is claiming that some bottles containing prayer oil, sold at nearly RM9 per litre, are actually just ordinary, subsidised Malaysian cooking oil, which can be purchased for RM2.50 per litre. Its president Datuk P. Murugiah urged the authorities to clamp down against the practice. He claimed that unscrupulous suppliers were making a profit margin of over 228%, adding that subsidised cooking oil was meant for low-income households. 'We found that most of the 'prayer oil' sold in the state, especially in temple supply stores, is actually repackaged subsidised cooking oil, originally priced at RM2.50 per litre. 'One particular brand is now being sold at RM8.20 per litre in the open market as oil for ritual use. Some brands cost even more. 'The practice, if left unchecked, will defeat the purpose of the subsidy meant for the B40 group,' he added. Introduced to help keep daily essentials affordable, Malaysia's subsidised cooking oil comes in locally packed polybags. Murugiah said any loophole in the system would put pressure on domestic oil supplies and affect both consumers and honest retailers alike. 'The issue is not new. In 2023, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry caught a trader repackaging subsidised cooking oil into different bottles and selling it as prayer oil at high prices. 'Some suppliers even resorted to using colour dyes in the oil to deceive the authorities. 'We hope the ministry will look into this and carry out frequent spot checks at retail outlets, especially those selling religious paraphernalia,' he said. Murugiah said the association also wanted clearer labelling regulations. 'We urge the ministry to compel prayer oil traders to declare the source of their products and clearly list the retail price on the packaging. 'This is in line with labelling laws and to ensure consumers are not misled,' he said. He added that the association also supported a nationwide rollout of the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS), designed to track the supply of subsidised oil from refinery to retail. He said eCOSS could plug the loopholes currently exploited by rogue suppliers. He urged consumers to stay alert and check the source of the oil purchased for prayer use. 'It is important not to be misled by unscrupulous parties,' he added. Penang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director S. Jegan said action would be taken against anyone involved in the misuse of subsidised goods. He said the ministry was consistently monitoring the use of cooking oil, not only supply issues, but also its misuse, including for religious rituals as highlighted by PHA. 'However, we have not received any official complaints on this matter. 'Enforcement officers will continue to act under all relevant laws, including those governing subsidised goods,' Jegan said.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Penang Hindu Association claims subsidised cooking oil being repackaged as prayer oil
GEORGE TOWN: In an effort to prevent the misuse of subsidised cooking oil, the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) is urging consumers to always check the prices and the source of prayer oil before buying. In a statement, PHA president Datuk claimed that most of the oil used in Hindu praying rituals and temples is actually being misused and derived from subsidised cooking oil meant for low-income households. "We found out that most of the 'prayer oil' sold in the state – especially in (prayer material) supply stores – is actually repackaged subsidised cooking oil," he claimed. He added that subsidised oil, which is priced at RM2.50 per kilogramme, is sold at as high as RM8.20 per litre for use in rituals. "In a recent price survey carried out by PHA, a particular prayer oil brand is listed at RM8.20 per litre – which is a mind-blowing 228% profit from the actual subsidised price and some brands of prayer oils cost even more," he said in a statement on Thursday (June 26). He said this practice, if left unchecked, will defeat the purpose of the subsidy meant for the B40 group and when this oil is rerouted into religious retail at such inflated prices, the benefit is lost-and someone else pockets the profit. Murugiah said the issue is not a new problem and just two years ago in 2023, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry caught a trader repackaging subsidised cooking oil in different bottles and selling them as prayer oil at high prices. He said some suppliers would even use dyes in the oils in order to hoodwink authorities. He said PHA is calling on the ministry to tighten enforcement and conduct frequent spot checks at retail outlets, especially those selling religious paraphernalia. "We urge the ministry to compel prayer oil traders to declare the source of their products and list the retail price clearly on the packaging. This is in line with labelling laws and will ensure consumers are not misled," he said. He said the association also supports a full nationwide rollout of the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme System (eCoss), which is designed to track the supply of subsidised oil from refinery to retail. He believes eCoss can plug the loopholes currently exploited by rogue suppliers and he also urged consumers to stay alert and check the source of the oil they buy for prayer use. Meanwhile, Penang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director S. Jegan said they consistently monitor all activities involving the use of subsidised cooking oil to prevent misuse or diversion. He said monitoring is not limited to supply but also covers all related activities, including the use of cooking oil in religious rituals such as temple offerings by Hindu devotees, as mentioned by the PHA. While no official complaints have been received so far on the matter, he said the department continues to carry out its duties, including those concerning the misuse of subsidised goods. "The ministry will not hesitate to take action against any party found involved in the misappropriation of subsidised items. We urge anyone with information regarding such misuse to report it to us. This will help facilitate prompt enforcement and, at the same time, prevent unnecessary panic or public concern that could lead to disharmony," he said. – Bernama
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang KPDN to act against misuse of subsidised cooking oil
GEORGE TOWN: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Penang, will not hesitate to take action against individuals or entities involved in the misuse of subsidised goods. State director S. Jegan said the department continuously monitors all activities involving the use of cooking oil, not just in terms of supply, but also related practices, including the use of oil in religious rituals, such as prayer oil used by Hindu devotees, as raised by the Penang Hindu Association (PHA). "Although we have yet to receive any official complaints on the matter, our enforcement officers are consistently carrying out duties under all relevant laws, including those related to the misuse of subsidised goods. "We urge any parties, whether members of the public or associations, who have information regarding such misuse to channel it to KPDN through our official complaint channels. "This will facilitate early action and help avoid public panic or concerns that may lead to a disharmonious situation," he said today. His remarks came in response to concerns raised by the PHA regarding enforcement efforts to curb the misuse of subsidised cooking oil. PHA president Datuk P. Murugiah claimed the association had received insider information from retail sources that most of the prayer oil used by Hindus and temples was, in fact, subsidised cooking oil. "The government introduced the RM2.50 per kg subsidised cooking oil scheme to ensure affordability for low-income households, particularly those in the B40 group. "However, this initiative has been exploited by unscrupulous suppliers who repackage the cooking oil as prayer oil and sell it at exorbitant prices. "In a recent PHA price survey, one particular prayer oil brand was listed at RM8.20 per litre, a staggering 228 per cent profit from the subsidised price. Some brands are sold at even higher prices," he said in a statement. Murugiah added that the issue was not new. Two years ago, KPDN enforcement officers apprehended a trader for refilling subsidised cooking oil into different bottles and selling it as prayer oil at inflated prices. PHA has urged KPDN to intensify its monitoring of the matter and to conduct regular checks on the source and pricing of prayer oil products sold at retail outlets.
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
PHA Urges Vigilance Over Misuse Of Subsidised Cooking Oil In Hindu Rituals
GEORGE TOWN, June 26 (Bernama) -- Penang Hindu Association (PHA) is urging consumers to always check the prices and the source of prayer oil before buying them, in an effort to prevent the misuse of subsidised cooking oil. In a statement, PHA president Datuk alleged that most of the oil used in Hindu praying rituals and temples is actually diverted from subsidised stock that are meant for low-income households and being misused for religious purposes. "We found out that most of the 'prayer oil' sold in the state, especially in temple supply stores—was actually repackaged subsidised cooking oil. Originally priced at RM2.50 per kilogramme (kg) in the open market, it now fetches up to RM8.20 per litre in the form of ritual-use oil. "In a recent price survey carried out by PHA, a particular prayer oil brand is listed at RM8.20 per litre, which is a mind-blowing 228 per cent profit from the actual subsidised price and some brands of prayer oild cost even more," he said in statement today. He said this practice ,if left unchecked , will defeat the purpose of the subsidy meant for the B40 group but when this oil is rerouted into religious retail at such inflated prices, the benefit is lost—and someone else pockets the profit. Murugiah said the issue is not a new problem and just two years ago in 2023, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) caught a trader repackaging subsidised cooking oil in different bottles and selling them as prayer oil at high prices. He said some suppliers would even resort to using colour dyes for the oils in order to distract the authorities and PHA has now called on KPDN to tighten its enforcement and conduct frequent spot checks at retail outlets, especially those selling religious paraphernalia. 'We urge the Ministry to compel prayer oil traders to declare the source of their products and list the retail price clearly on the is in line with labelling laws and will ensure consumers are not misled," he said. He said the association also supports a full nationwide rollout of the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme System (eCOSS), which is designed to track the supply of subsidised oil from refinery to retail.
Borneo Post
22-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
LKM stresses storytelling as key to cocoa industry growth
Matbali, LKM Director-General Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin, SJA President Mariah Doksil, invited guests and the media practitioners during the dinner last night. KOTA KINABALU (April 22): The Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) believes that the development of the cocoa industry is not solely about export and production figures, but also about building a compelling narrative. LKM Director-General Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin said the narrative of hope, resilience, innovation and community impact must be widely shared. 'In this regard, we view the collaboration between LKM and the media not merely as a communication need, but as a strategic plan that must be developed together — sharing stories and news content that can holistically advance the nation's cocoa industry. 'In terms of export and production achievements, I'm pleased to share that the cocoa sector continues to grow and has recorded positive performance,' he said at the Media and Strategic Partners Appreciation Night here yesterday. He said that in 2024, Malaysia recorded export earnings of RM15.06 billion, showing an increase of RM6.86 billion — an 83.66 percent rise compared to RM8.20 billion in 2023. Local cocoa production also saw an increase, with a total of 445.37 metric tonnes. As such, he said this year LKM is planning more high-impact communication initiatives, particularly in the lead-up to the Malaysia International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, which will be held in Sabah. 'We want Malaysia's cocoa story to be told not only to the people of Malaysia but also on the global stage, and we are confident that only through close collaboration with the media can this be achieved. 'LKM also welcomes proposals from the media for collaborative efforts such as journalism workshops related to the cocoa industry, media familiarisation programs, and joint publications of special features. We are ready to listen, discuss and act,' he said. Meanwhile, Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Mariah Doksil said that in Malaysia, media practitioners carry a significant responsibility as the role of journalists is to report accurate, verified and responsible information to the public. 'Looking at LKM's perspective, in my view, an industry's story is not just about reporting numbers. Not all media content is based on export and production statistics. 'For those of us in the creative industry, storytelling can come from many angles. 'Stories about cocoa plantations and bean production, we may often read about them in print or watch them on electronic media but if we delve deeper into the lives of communities around the plantations, stories of youth returning to their villages to work on cocoa farms, innovation and technological adaptation in remote areas, and grassroots stories from the cocoa downstream sector … these are all stories of great value,' she said. According to her, such stories are not only of interest to the local community but also serve as a joint effort to place Sabah on the radar of investors and global industry players. She said SJA is ready to continue offering support, whether through coverage or storytelling, to add value to the cocoa industry in the state. 'We also welcome the organisation of the Malaysia International Cocoa Fair 2025, which will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) next month. 'Undoubtedly, a world-class platform such as this will bring wide-ranging benefits to the local economy and the people at large,' she said.
