KLANG: There is no restriction on foreigners buying subsidised cooking oil packets but they are subject to the same purchase limits as Malaysians, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said a ban to prevent foreigners from buying subsidised goods had not been implemented yet but such a suggestion had been received.
"There are recommendations but what is the mechanism for us to monitor with? If we have to create a (subsidy) system only for cooking oil, it will not be a cost-effective action for the government and retailers," he said after a working visit to Perceptive Logistic Sdn Bhd in Port Klang on Tuesday (Jan 9).
He was commenting on viral videos of Malaysians castigating traders for selling subsidised cooking oil to foreigners.
He said the ministry was carrying out an audit from last October until this March targeting refineries and cooking oil packaging to investigate if there was any leakage or malpractice.
In another development, Armizan said that he was aware of the increase in price of onions from India.
He said that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry was taking steps to stabilise prices by increasing onion imports from other countries.
He said the increase in price of Indian onions occurred following the restrictions imposed by the country until March 31 as they are facing elections, to ensure sufficient domestic supply.
The media reported that prices of Indian onions had risen by more than 30% since last month. – Bernama
