JOHOR BARU: The supply issue of subsidised cooking oil in 1kg packets in Johor will be fully addressed, as distribution is now based on designated zones starting Thursday (May 15).
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Dr Fuziah Salleh said that 17 zones have been identified throughout the state.
“A total of 19 cooking oil repacking companies in Johor have been allocated their respective quotas to ensure there is neither oversupply nor shortage in any particular area.
“Starting tomorrow, a total of 3,112 metric tonnes of packet cooking oil will be distributed monthly by zone to address supply shortages in several areas of the state,” she added.
Fuziah said this in a press conference after carrying out a visit to a cooking oil packet packaging factory at Kempas here on Wednesday (May 14).
She added that previously, supply issue arose because some oil packagers sold directly to buyers in nearby areas.
“As long as the goods were sold, it did not matter where. But starting tomorrow, that will no longer happen, as each manufacturer has a zoned quota to follow,” she said.
Fuziah added that apart from Johor, this zoned distribution system has already been implemented in states such as Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, and Perak.
She said that, in total, about 60,000 metric tonnes of packet cooking oil were produced by 330 manufacturers monthly to meet national needs, especially for B40 consumers.
“This amount is sufficient for domestic use. However, we do acknowledge that the supply is also used by micro-businesses, but that is not something we intend to act against.
“As of now, the country’s supply of packet cooking oil is sufficient,” she said.
