KPDNKK Sibu personnel conduct price checks at Sibu Central Market as shown in this file photo.
SIBU: The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) is keeping a hawk’s eye on prices of vegetables at the markets here, assuring the local public that there has not been any report of price hikes so far.
Sibu KPDNKK chief Kasim Mana noted that the increase in the prices of vegetables in Peninsular Malaysia could be attributed to the impact brought forth by the monsoon.
As such, he said the traders were compelled to source vegetables from the suppliers at marked-up prices due to shortage of supply.
“So far, there is no reported price hike for greens in Sibu. Nonetheless, be rest assured that our team from the enforcement division are monitoring the prices of goods here constantly – be they vegetables, meat or fish at the marketplace – to ensure that there’s no overpricing that could burden the consumers,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday, after being asked if there were price hikes of vegetables here due to the inclement weather.
Kasim also said for the coming Chinese New Year season, his side had reminded traders here including operators of salons and eateries against taking advantage of the festive season to raise prices of their goods and services.
He pointed out that since 2011 under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act, traders had been warned against raising the prices of their goods indiscriminately.
“Action will be taken (against errant traders) through the issuance of notice under Section 21 of the Act. If they (traders) fail to justify the price hike, they would be brought to court,” he reminded.
On enforcement, Kasim disclosed that KPDNKK Sibu had acted upon 132 cases on various trading offences for the whole of last year.
Back on Chinese New Year, he assured consumers that there would be adequate supply of Mandarin oranges for local consumption this festive season.
“The KPDNKK has received assurance from major suppliers, importers and wholesalers here that there are adequate supply of these oranges and other essential items for local consumption for the coming Chinese New Year celebration,” he said.