PT KMR lawyer confirms alleged problematic Minyakita issue resolved

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Kusuma Mukti Remaja (KMR) Karanganyar lawyer Bella Rihandita Adella has confirmed that the issue of allegedly problematic Minyakita cooking oil in a food aid package in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, has been resolved. She stated that the complaints raised by residents were swiftly handled by the Minyakita producer. “It has been handled and resolved. The company is very responsible regarding this issue,” Bella said in a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday. Residents in Kismantoro and Giriwoyo districts, Wonogiri, had previously complained about Minyakita cooking oil aid that smelled like kerosene and had a darker colour. PT Kusuma Mukti Remaja Director Joko Mukti Wijaya admitted he immediately took action upon receiving the report from residents. He continued that as soon as the report was received, a team immediately traced and inspected the products that had been distributed. “The Minyakita has been withdrawn and replaced with new products,” Joko said. He stressed that he did not want to take risks with consumer safety, so all products indicated to be problematic were immediately withdrawn from circulation pending further investigation into the cause of the public complaints. In addition, Joko said the company is prepared to cover health services for residents who experienced complaints after consuming food processed using the allegedly problematic oil. He hopes that aid recipients will not hesitate to report if they find products that do not meet quality standards. Every report will be promptly followed up to ensure the aid received is truly safe for consumption. PT KMR confirmed that the incident will serve as an evaluation for the company. Previously, Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the people’s cooking oil, Minyakita, is no longer part of the government’s food aid programme. According to Budi, the entire supply of Minyakita will be focused on meeting public needs through distribution in public markets. “Now there is no more Minyakita for food aid. Everything will be distributed to public markets so that people can easily obtain Minyakita,” Budi said during a press briefing at the Ministry of Trade office in Jakarta on Monday. The Ministry of Trade continues to coordinate with producers, Perum Bulog, and ID Food to ensure Minyakita distribution runs smoothly and is easily accessible.