KEPALA BATAS: The shortage of cooking oil in 1kg packet reported in several states is expected to be solved in the next few days as manufacturers have agreed to increase their production by three-fold.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal yesterday assured consumers of adequate supply for Hari Raya.

He said a shortage occurred due to higher demand for the 1kg packets and not due to hoarding.
"It is normal for the demand for 1kg packets to increase by up to four times than usual as Hari Raya approaches," he said.

Mohd Shafie said he had spoken to Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui who gave an assurance that manufacturers had been told to produce more of the oil in 1kg packets.

He was speaking at a press conference after handing over donations to 189 flood victims in Pinang Tunggal and Penaga at Rantau Panjang here.

He was responding to reports that Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak and the Klang Valley have been experiencing a shortage of the 1kg packet of cooking oil  .

Retailers claimed suppliers had cut down on supply over the last two weeks, while some have increased the price following the shortage.

The 1kg packet is sold at the ceiling price of RM2.75.
On standard flour, Mohd Shafie said the ministry had not received any report that its ceiling price of RM1.35 per kg had been increased.

He said only the price of enriched flour, which was not a controlled item, was increased recently.

He advised consumers who were asked to pay more to lodge a report with the ministry.