KUALA LUMPUR: A video of a local man who stopped several foreign individuals attempting to purchase six packets of subsidised cooking oil at a local supermarket has gone viral, sparking an online debate among netizens.
The approximately two-minute video posted by @encikmimpizz garnered 247,900 views and counting since its posting yesterday on X.
In the video, the man confronted the foreigners, questioning, "Do you have an identity card? Are you a Malaysian citizen?"
He emphasised that the subsidy was exclusively for Malaysian citizens.
Asserting that they could face consequences if caught, he advised them to opt for bottled oil instead.
The user @encikmimpizz wrote in the video caption stating: "Residents from Bangladesh and Nepal grabbed up to six packets of cooking oil. Fortunately, this man stepped in, suggesting they opt for bottled oil instead. This should be enforced for all Malaysians, firmly."
Netizens, upon seeing the video, were outraged by the incident.
Some suggested that cashiers should be vigilant, refraining from scanning price tags for subsidised items meant exclusively for Malaysians when purchased by foreigners.
Warga Bangladesh,Nepal rembat minyak masak sampai 6paket,
Naseb baik datang brader ni tegur suruh amek minyak botol.
Sepatutnya semua warga Malaysia kena mcmni.tegas. pic.twitter.com/yXQxv3dxPE— encik mimpi (@encikmimpizz) January 8, 2024
User @_musangPutih said "Sorry, but I have to say, it's the stupidity of the store management. There should be SOPs at the cashier to avoid scanning if foreigners pick up the oil packets.
In a similar vein, user @Loverboxs proposed a solution to the problem by advocating for a mandatory employment policy.
"Just one thing, to solve this issue... make it mandatory for all small or big supermarkets, hypermarkets, or mini markets to employ local workers at all cashier counters.
"This issue can be reduced. Offer proper wages, not just empty promises. That's how locals will be interested in working. If in some places in Johor, locals are employed, why not in other places?
Meanwhile, user @nrqsar questioned the assumption that foreigners might not be aware that the packet oil is exclusively for Malaysians.
"Isn't it logical that they (foreigners) might not know that the packet oil is only for Malaysians? Because there might not be enough mention/posters there?
"It's similar to the small size of the Ron97 petrol label at the refilling stations. But in this case, is there a designated place, usually?"
