KUALA LUMPUR: A large number of supermarkets in the Klang Valley have begun limiting purchase of bottled cooking oil to three per family.
Checks by NSTP at supermarkets in Ampang, Gombak and Bangsar showed that the outlets have begun pasting notices on the restriction at shelves stocking the two to five kilogramme cooking oil bottles.
A salesperson at an Ampang supermarket, who only wished to be known as Anis, said she was told to monitor customers to prevent them from buying beyond the permitted limit.
"We've been told by the management that this was also in accordance with instructions from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) to avoid panic-buying.
"So far, all customers have adhered to the notice," she said.
Asked about one kilo polybag cooking oil, she replied that there was ample stock.
"Each time it runs out at the shelves, we can restock it," she said.
The same was observed at a supermarket in Bangsar. A worker, who only wished to be known as Ahmad, said many customers opted for the polybag options as it is cheaper at RM2.50 per kilo compared to the others at RM12 per kilo.
"The restriction notice was put up to ensure that there is sufficient stock for all customers," he said.
A 'goreng pisang' seller, Hapsah Ali, 40, said she prefers to use polybag cooking oil and voiced concerns over its availability after July 1.
"There will definitely be huge demand from buyers. Some shops have already begun limiting sales to three packets per customer.
"There could be further restrictions imposed next month," she said.
While the government said it would maintain the subsidy for the 1kg cooking oil in polybags, it will however remove the subsidy for bottled cooking oil beginning July 1.
This is to ensure that the supply of food items in the market will be more stable in the long run and in turn, stabilise prices.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said subsidised goods were aimed at helping low-income households for domestic use, but had been found to be abused by industrial and commercial use as well as smuggling activities.