26 Sept 2007 

JOHOR BARU: Several towns in Johor are facing a shortage of cooking oil, according to the Johor Consumer Protection Association. 

Its chairman T. Saravanan said Segamat, Batu Pahat, Kluang and Gelang Patah have problems getting the 1kg packet.

“We have had at least 50 complaints about the oil shortage,” he said, adding that the association suspected traders of hoarding 1kg packets to push the sale of bottled cooking oil. 

Provision shop owners here are complaining that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get extra stock of cooking oil. 

When contacted, Johor Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry chief enforcement officer Fahmi Kassim said checks confirmed that there was a “slight” shortage of 1kg packets in some shops. 

“But there will definitely be enough supply for the festive season,” he assured. 

Fahmi said that traders or consumers who found it hard to get cooking oil could contact the ministry toll free hotline at 1-800 886 800.