SEREMBAN: Firm action will be taken against traders found not complying with the Festive Season Price-Controlled Scheme implemented from yesterday until Aug 5.
Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek said the ministry had fixed maximum prices for 18 price controlled items in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebration.
“We will not compromise on this matter if it is found that traders are selling price controlled items under the scheme that exceed the prices set,” he told a media conference here afer visiting the Pasar Ampangan here yesterday.
He said the scheme was implemented since year 2000 under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 as a move to curb the price hike of essential items during Ramadan and forthcoming Aidilfitri.
A total of 1,850 enforcement personnel and 1,248 price monitoring officers nationwide would be deployed to monitor prices while 100 consumer service counters at major markets had been set up to enable consumers to lodge complaints, he said.
Meanwhile when launching the Kedah state level scheme in Alor Setar, his deputy minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said the ministry would investigate all complaints lodged and take firm action against errant traders.
Among the offences are hiking prices of controlled items, manipulating the scales and not putting pink price tags on the items.
He said public complaints could be channelled through email at e-aduan@kpdnkk.gov.my or short message system as KPDNKK ADUAN to 15888 or contact 1-800-886-800.
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid launched the scheme on the 18 items in 27 districts in the state and one in Labuan.
Earlier together with Sabah KPDNKK director Severinus Tukah, she visited the Kota Kinabalu market and a supermarket to check on the price compliance. — Bernama