SIBU: The government has allocated RM3 million for three projects – community drumming, standardising of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and essential items – to ensure that the folk of Dalat enjoy the same price for these items as their counterparts in town.
Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (MDTCC) state director Wan Ahmad Uzir Wan Sulaiman said yesterday that the total amount allocated to the state for these three projects for this year totalled RM144.5 million.
“There are 21 point-of-sale located across 10 areas in Dalat to ensure prompt delivery of essential items. There are three transporters involve in the delivery in Dalat,” Wan Uzir told The Borneo Post when asked on the Standardising of Goods’ Price Project at SK Sg Baoh Ulu, Dalat.
Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah officiated at the programme recently.
Wan Uzir recalled folk in Dalat had obtained items such as LPG at a higher price prior to the implementation of this government initiative.
On another matter, he believed the slight increase in the price of Mandarin oranges was due to bad weather in China.
He added that the price was subject to the supply and demand forces.
However, Wan Uzir assured that his boys would be keeping their eyes wide open for possible profiteering by traders in the run-up to the Chinese New Year celebration.
“If we detect any element of profiteering, we will issue the retailer with Notice 21, where he must respond within the stipulated period.
“Failing which we can take action under Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. Upon conviction, an offender can be slapped with a fine of up to RM100,000 or jailed three years or to both.”