BATU PAHAT: A company director has been slapped with a RM100,000 fine for providing false information related to the sale of subsidised packet cooking oil.
The woman, Wee Shoo Chu, who is in her 70s, pleaded guilty when the charge was read before judge Osman Effendi Mohd Shalleh at the Batu Pahat Sessions Court on Thursday (March 19).
The judge then ordered the accused to pay a fine of RM100,000.
She was charged under Section 8(4) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for refusing or knowingly providing false information when submitting documents or information related to the sale of cooking oil.
The prosecution was conducted by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry prosecuting officer S. Loganathan, while the accused was represented by lawyer Tan Hik Tao.
According to Johor Domestic Trade director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, the case was detected during a special operation on Aug 13, 2024 conducted by the ministry with the National Audit Department in Batu Pahat over the misappropriation of cooking oil.
“During an inspection of the woman’s company, it was found that the cooking oil stock documents and declarations were doubtful and inconsistent with information from the retailer chain.
“This led to the seizure of some 29,590kg of cooking oil worth RM73,975,” she said, adding that the case was investigated under Section 8(4) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
She added that the successful prosecution proves the ministry’s continued commitment to combating the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods, as well as ensuring firm action is taken against any party that violates the law.
“These efforts are important to protect consumer interests and ensure that government subsidies reach those who are eligible,” she said, adding that KPDN also welcomes the public to channel complaints to the ministry.
