KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living has found a slight decrease in the supply of cooking oil in the market due to the strong demand ahead of the Hari Raya celebration.
Its director Azman Ismail said, however, cooking oil and sugar are still available in the market, including supermarkets.
“We have seen a slight downward ‘trend’ causing supply to fall in the market, especially at the beginning of the month, but it increased after that.
“We know that cooking oil, which is an essential festive item among consumers, will be bought in large quantities, thus causing the supply in the market to drop, but we will raise the quantity before and after the festival,” he told reporters after the 2024 Hari Raya Aidilfitri Maximum Price Scheme Walkabout Programme here yesterday.
In another development, he said his department arrested two men and seized 4,500 litres of diesel in an attempt to divert the substance in Kampung Tengah, Perupok, Bachok, at 7.50am on Friday.
“The value of the seized diesel is estimated at RM9,675 including the vehicle valued at RM135,325. The driver of the locally-registered lorry is a local man,” he said.
According to him, the suspect was observed filling diesel into the tank using a modified suction pump on the back of the truck, which was covered with canvas, to obscure it from the authorities.
He said the petrol station owner was also arrested, and action was taken under the Control of Supplies Act for abetting. — Bernama
