Malaysian subsidised goods a 'lifeline' for southern Thais

NARATHIWAT, THAILAND - Malaysian subsidised goods such as packet cooking oil, wheat flour and petrol become a 'lifeline' for the people of southern Thailand in continuing their daily lives.

Either way, the goods smuggled through the illegal base along the Golok River were sold at a cheap price thus providing relief to the less well-off.

The price difference between Malaysian and Thai cooking oil packets sold.

A Narathiwat resident who only wanted to be known as Mail, 30, admitted that almost 80 per cent of the people in the area were completely dependent on Malaysian subsidised goods.

"The fall in the value of the Malaysian Ringgit at the moment gives us a 'bonus' when we can buy the goods in large quantities, thus being able to turn them into stock.

"For example, a packet of Malaysian cooking oil costs around 40 baht (RM5.24) only compared to the local (Thailand) product of 50 baht.

"Malaysian wheat flour is only worth 26 baht (RM3.41) per kilogramme. Here we have a hard time getting locally produced wheat flour.

"It can be said that 100 per cent of the people here use wheat flour from Malaysia because it is easy to obtain. Most of Malaysia's subsidised goods are already guaranteed from a halal point of view, so we don't need to worry," he told Sinar.

He added aside from food, fuel, especially petrol from Malaysia is also being sought after by people in southern Thailand.

Malaysian subsidised goods such as packet cooking oil, wheat flour and petrol become a 'lifeline' for the people of Southern Thailand in continuing their daily lives.

He said that petrol smuggled from Malaysia was sold for 25 to 27 baht (RM3.38-RM3.54) per litre compared to Thailand's 38 baht.

He said it was also easy to get when there were many petrol oil stalls open on the side of the main road as well as in the village area here.

Mail said apart from the price factor, there were many Muslims in Southern Thailand and the goods from Malaysia were certified halal so they were used without hesitation.

Petrol from Malaysia is sold openly and easily obtained in Southern Thailand

For restaurant traders, Kelthsom, 40, subsidised goods from Malaysia, namely packet cooking oil, wheat and other goods such as sugar and eggs helped him save a lot in his business.

"I have been in business for over 10 years and have never had a problem getting this raw material, it is easy to get.

"Most shops here and markets sell it," he said.

Meanwhile, Ramly, who is in his 20s, said that since childhood, his family had been using subsidised goods from Malaysia.

He said most family members have family ties with Malaysians, which made it easier for them to get supplies for daily use.

INFORMATION

• Malaysian packet cooking oil 40 baht (RM5.24)
• Thai cooking oil packets 50 baht
• Malaysian wheat flour 26 baht (RM3.41)
• Malaysian petrol oil 25 to 27 baht (RM3.38-RM3.54)
• Thai petrol oil 38 baht