August 08, 2011 15:23 PM

Cooking Oil Supply Increased For Festive Season

BERA, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has increased supply of cooking oil to suppliers and wholesalers nationwide by 10 per cent for the fasting month and coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the supply was allocated for distribution to sellers and retailers.

"We hope this 10 per cent increase in supply will ensure there are no problems in obtaining cooking oil during the festive season," he told reporters after he distributed bubur lambuk (porridge) and broke fast with Felda Triang Dua factory workers, here yesterday.

Ismail Sabri gave his assurance that necessity items such as coconut, sugar and others would be sufficient and the ministry would keep an eye on such items daily.

"Ministry officers in each state will update us twice daily on these goods," he added.

Regarding coconut, he said Fama imported six million coconuts for use throughout Ramadhan and Hari Raya, of which three million were already being marketed nationwide.

Ismail Sabri said should there be a shortage due to excessive consumption, they would immediately bring in supply from producing countries to rectify the situation.

He said between 14 and 18 items were listed as controlled items for the festive season and would be announced to consumers next week.

-- BERNAMA

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