#NSTViral: Ministry officer rejects 'settlement' offer during cooking oil raid

KUALA LUMPUR: A Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement officer has drawn praise online after rejecting an apparent attempt to negotiate an informal settlement during a raid on suspected hoarders of subsidised cooking oil.

In a video posted on TikTok by the ministry's Melaka branch under the username @kpdnmelaka, officers were seen inspecting a residential compound where blue plastic drums and boxes containing packets of cooking oil were stored.

When an individual attempted to negotiate an informal settlement, the lead officer immediately rejected the offer.

"Don't test me. If you want to talk somewhere else, I'll take you straight to MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission), nowhere else, just MACC," the officer warned.

When the storekeeper claimed that 25 cartons and drums of subsidised cooking oil were merely being kept temporarily at the premises, the officer challenged the explanation.

"You are the reason cooking oil disappears from the market. Retail shops are empty because everything is stashed here," the officer said.

@kpdnmelaka Minyak tumpang dah "tempang" ke tu? #KITAGEMPUR #KPDNKITA #malaysiamadani @Anwar Ibrahim @Armizan Mohd Ali @Fuziah Salleh @Ab Rauf Yusoh @KERAJAAN NEGERI MELAKA ♬ original sound - KPDN Melaka

Subsidised 1kg polybag cooking oil is a controlled item under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Hoarding controlled goods can attract penalties, including a fine of up to RM1 million or imprisonment for up to three years for individuals, subject to the applicable provisions.

Offering a bribe during an official inspection may also constitute an offence under Section 17(b) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which carries a maximum prison term of 20 years upon conviction.

The video drew widespread praise on social media, with users applauding the officer's firm stance against corruption while expressing frustration over cooking oil shortages.

"Top-class officer. Zero compromise on side settlements, taking them straight to MACC is the only way to deal with syndicates," one user commented.

The ministry reminded the public that enforcement videos serve an educational purpose and that suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.