Subsidised Malaysian cooking oil sold in Thailand for decades

While many Kelantanese are faced with cooking oil shortages, the reverse is true in the town of Golok in neighbouring Thailand.

A recent visit by Malaysiakini to the town on the southern tip of Thailand bordering Kelantan revealed that subsidised cooking oil smuggled from Malaysia is available in abundance.

These products - usually sold in plastic bags - are available in sundry shops and markets.

In many regions across southern Thailand, Malaysian cooking oil is favoured because of its lower price compared to Thai-made products.

Golok residents told Malaysiakini that this was not a new phenomenon and that they have enjoyed Malaysian subsidised cooking oil for decades.

Hassan, 69, said most locals favour Malaysian cooking oil and flour because of the price, just as how the Kelantanese favour rice that is smuggled from Thailand.

"We use cooking oil from Malaysia because it is cheaper than Thai-made oil. Moreover, the Malaysian oil comes in 1kg bags. We can buy in small amounts.

"Our local products are sold in small bottles. It is a bit more expensive," he told Malaysiakini.

Subsidised price Malaysian cooking oil being sold at a market in Golok, southern Thailand

A 1kg bottle of Thai cooking oil would cost around 75 baht (RM9) as compared to 55 baht (RM6.50) for a Malaysian-made equivalent.

In Malaysia, a 1kg packet of cooking oil costs RM2.50.

It is understood that smugglers make a tidy profit from selling 1kg cooking oil packets to retailers at between RM3.50 and RM4.50 a packet.

"With our economy not doing so well, people will seek cheaper options. The supply is always there. It is rarely cut off," Hassan said.

For Ruslan Md Sulaiman, 48, Malaysian-made cooking oil has long been his family's choice.

In the rare event that it is unavailable in Thailand, he would cross the border to shop in Rantau Panjang.

"For those of us who live near the border, it is easy to get to Rantau Panjang for our necessities.

"We can't buy in large quantities, but it's worth it. Apart from cooking oil, we also buy flour and other Malaysian produce," he said.

Meanwhile, Salihan, in her 30s, said Malaysian cooking oil can also be found in the Narathiwat, Yala and Patani provinces.

"It's not in other provinces. People are aware that it's smuggled, but it has become the norm.

"Some people feel more reassured by the halal status of Malaysian cooking oil," she said. - Mkini