PKFZ ready to open records, facilitate audits amid cooking oil traceability concerns

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The Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) says it is prepared to provide relevant reports and facilitate regulatory audits amid concerns over the ...

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — The Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) says it is prepared to provide relevant reports and facilitate regulatory audits amid concerns over the origin, authenticity and traceability of cooking oil products allegedly blended before being re-exported under Malaysian labels.

PKFZ chairman Lim Lip Eng said the free zone would extend its full cooperation to the relevant authorities.

“We will provide our full cooperation and assistance, including making available relevant reports and facilitating any audit requests,” he said in a statement.

Lim said PKFZ operated under the Free Zones Act, while enforcement involving product authenticity and regulatory compliance fell under the jurisdiction of the relevant government agencies.

These include the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), SIRIM, the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

His response follows concerns raised last week by Maritime Network Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan Ramasamy over the alleged blending of imported cooking oil with locally produced supplies before it is exported under Malaysian labels.

Jeyenderan said the alleged practice, which industry players have described as an oil “cocktail”, warranted closer scrutiny by the authorities, particularly over product origin, quality and food safety.

His remarks came after The Edge reported on Nov 4, citing industry sources, that imported palm oil was allegedly being blended with local supplies before being re-exported, potentially allowing foreign-origin oil to be marketed as Malaysian palm oil. According to the report, blending ratios of 75:25 or 80:20 were circulating in the market.

Jeyenderan said an examination of cargo manifests and bills of lading had raised concerns over how the oil’s country of origin was declared and how its actual composition was verified after blending.

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