DAP MP calls for audit into cost of ‘Mari Kenali Sawit’ book

 

PARLIAMENT | Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has called on the Plantation and Commodities Ministry to conduct an audit on the costs involved in the printing of the “Mari Kenali Sawit” (Let’s Get To Know Oil Palm) book.

The book was an initiative by the ministry last year to provide students in primary and secondary schools with exposure to palm oil.

At a press conference today, Teresa (above) claimed that after checks with printers in Kuala Lumpur, the cost of a book should be “less than RM3”.

However, according to a written parliamentary reply dated July 21, 2022 - 210,060 and 62,475 copies of the book were printed and distributed for the cost of RM13.30 and RM19.30 per book, respectively.

This amounts to a total of RM3,999,565.50 overall, including the delivery costs to school district offices across the nation.

“I have experience in printing pamphlets. So, I know how much it should cost.

“How can these books cost RM13.30 and RM19.30?” she asked.

Teresa said while she supported the initiative to raise awareness of palm oil, the matter should be taken seriously as the initiative was funded by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).

She then urged the MACC to investigate the matter.

“The minister needs to investigate, and also maybe MACC needs to step in,” she said.

In response, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Siti Aminah Aching welcomed Teresa’s proposal for an audit.

“The ministry welcomes Seputeh’s suggestion to conduct an audit and will take appropriate action in the matter,” she said in her speech today.

Last April, former plantation and commodities minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said that 300,000 copies of the book would be distributed across the nation.

She also said that the book details facts about oil palm, as well as the importance and contribution of the commodity to the socio-economic development and income of the country. - Mkini