KPDN Raids Supermarket for Imposing Conditions on 1kg Cooking Oil Packet Purchases

SEMENYIH, Sept 24 – The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) through its Putrajaya Enforcement Division raided a supermarket in Semenyih following consumer complaints that the premises imposed mandatory purchase conditions on 1-kilogramme (1kg) packets of subsidized cooking oil.

According to consumer complaints, shoppers attempting to purchase a full box of 1kg cooking oil packets—totaling 17 packets—were required to make prior purchases at the supermarket with a minimum spend of RM300.

KPDN Director-General (Enforcement) Datuk Azman Adam stated that following receipt of the complaint, a team of undercover enforcement officers carried out a covert operation at the premises to verify the allegations.

“The officers found in the test purchase revealed that they were required to purchase other items before being allowed to buy the cooking oil packets. During the test purchase, other items totalling RM303.65 were purchased before the officer was permitted to buy 17 packets of 1 kg cooking oil for a total of RM42.50. The transaction and the incident were also recorded to assist in the investigation,” Azman said in a statement on Thursday.

Following the covert operation, KPDN initiated a formal investigation under Section 19 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122) for allegedly imposing conditions without permission in the sale of scheduled controlled goods.

Enforcement officers seized packaged cooking oil, corporate business documentation, transaction receipts, and items involved in the test purchase valued at RM104 for further investigative procedures.

KPDN issued a stern warning to all traders against imposing unauthorized purchase conditions on consumers when selling controlled goods, urging commercial entities to strictly comply with prevailing legislation rather than exploiting consumer necessity.

Azman added that the ministry will continue to heighten market surveillance and enforcement operations nationwide, warning that strict legal action will be taken against any party violating laws enforced by KPDN.

–NMT