Johari said such actions are necessary to assert that no one in the market can “bully” the country’s products and that the government views the matter seriously.

“We will instruct the customs department to stop letting in these products (that discriminate against palm oil).

“If the department doesn’t have specific instructions (to do so), we will write to them and tell them these products cannot be allowed in due to our existing laws,” he told a press conference here today.

Earlier, FMT reported that the domestic trade and cost of living ministry raided a convenience store in Putrajaya for selling food products with “No Palm Oil” printed on the plastic packaging.

Its minister, Armizan Mohd Ali, said ice cream products of various types were seized in the raid following a public complaint.

The case will be investigated under the Trade Descriptions (Prohibition of Use of Statement, Expression or Indication) (Oil Palm Product And Palm Oil Goods) Regulations 2022.

“If convicted, the offender may be fined up to RM250,000 or imprisoned for a maximum of five years.

“The offence covers statements or indicators that may discriminate against or call for the boycott of products or goods involving palm oil, the nation’s main commodity,” Armizan said.

Johari expressed appreciation for Armizan’s efforts in conducting the raids and pledged to work closer with his ministry to prevent the entry of such products into the country.

“We don’t want to appear overly defensive on this issue. (However), many people are unaware of the benefits provided by our edible oil, and we support Armizan’s latest actions,” he said.

Johari said the government must take action to prevent foreign producers of items from tarnishing the reputation of palm oil since it is the country’s third-largest export commodity.

“In the past, inspections were not as rigorous, but I have mentioned at a Cabinet meeting the importance of efficiently enforcing this law from the import to the retail stage. We will ensure no one discriminates against our palm oil products,” he said.

He also said there had been efforts made by businesses to conceal their “No Palm Oil” label following strict warnings issued by the government.

The palm oil industry employs nearly one million people and encompasses about 450,000 smallholders nationwide.