He said the ban to prevent foreigners from buying subsidised goods had not been implemented, but his ministry had received suggestions regarding the matter.

“There are recommendations and suggestions, but what then is the mechanism for us to monitor?

“If we have to create a (subsidy) system only for packet oil, it is not a cost-effective action for the government and retailers including small grocery stores,” he said after a working visit to Perceptive Logistic Sdn Bhd in Port Klang today.

He was commenting on whether the ban is in place following a number of videos uploaded on social media with Malaysians castigating traders selling the subsidised item to foreigners.

Armizan also said the ministry is auditing refineries and cooking oil packaging companies, going back to October 2023, looking into leakage or malpractice.

In another development, Armizan said he was aware that Indian onions were becoming more costly, and the agriculture and food security ministry was also taking steps to stabilise the price by increasing imports from other countries.

He said the price increase followed export restrictions imposed by New Delhi until March 31.

The price of onions has reportedly risen by more than 30% since last month.