MIRI: Garlic price increased again lately here and the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (MDTCC) is monitoring the situation closely to prevent prices from being increased excessively.
PRICES OF GARLIC UP AGAIN: Garlic (left) and Shallots (right) with their new price tags, being displayed at a shop.
The local enforcement chief of the MDTCC, Zakaria Awang said the price was increased by about 15 sen per kilogramme, following an increase in the currency exchange rate of the exporting country, China, against the Malaysian ringgit of RM1 to 2.11 China Yuan Renminbi.
“Enforcement will continue to be carried out, to prevent traders not only jacking up the price of garlic but also other commodities that could burden consumers.” assured Zakaria when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.
Currently, he said the wholesale price of per bag of five kilogrammes of garlic is RM38 while the retail price is RM42.
He added that the frequent increase in garlic prices last year and this year was due to bad harvest, following inclement weather. Two years ago, garlic cost about RM3 to RM4 per kilogramme.
As such, Zakaria advised consumers to be wise and buy only from retailers that can offer cheaper price.
Currently, he said MDTCC Miri have not received any report on hike in prices or shortage of other commodities.
He urged the public to assist the ministry in reporting anyone contravening the various trades acts, adding that although the government only gazetted prices of controlled items one week before and after major festivals in the country, there is no reasons why traders have to take advantage of consumers.
Festive seasons, including the forthcoming Christmas and new year celebrations, should not be taken as an opportunity to jack up prices.
Traders here who hike prices of goods indiscriminately risk facing the full brunt of the law.
“It is a serious offence to raise the prices of goods, especially the controlled items indiscriminately, so we will not hesitate to take legal action against them,” warned Zakaria.
Offenders increasing the prices of controlled items higher than the ceiling prices fixed by the government, were liable to face a compound not exceeding RM50,000 each, under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
And those found increasing the prices of their goods indiscriminately would be slapped with a compound not exceeding RM7,500 each, under the Price Control Act 1946, he added.
Those who are not satisfied with the price or supply of goods in the city may call the ministry’s operation room at 085-412862, which is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily.