A wide variety of mooncakes to choose from.
SIBU: Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (MDTCC) is keeping a hawk’s eye on the prices of mooncakes though it is not a controlled item.
MDTCC Sibu branch head Kasim Mana said yesterday their enforcement officers were carrying out regular checks to ensure traders do not use the Mid Autumn Festival as an excuse to fleece consumers.
“Traders are to display price tags on their mooncakes for customers to decide,” Kasim said.
Price tags are mandatory and the ministry will not hesitate to act against traders who fail to toe the line.
Hiking prices of food items indiscriminately would burden consumers so Notice 21 would be issued on errant traders to justify the price increase.
He advised the public to complain to the Ministry’s nearest office should they spot any unreasonable hike in prices of goods.
Kasim wants the public to be their eyes and ears for them to act against unscrupulous traders.
“Any enquiries or complaints can be made to our hotline on 1 800 886 800 or our (Sibu) office on 084-329202.”
He advised consumers to compare prices and go for the best deal.
Meanwhile, shoppers were spotted checking out the mooncakes which came in a myriad of flavours.
Local and imported mooncakes are on sale, all with price tags.
The Mid Autumn Festival falls on Sept 15.
A trader told thesundaypost yesterday that he expected more sales a few days before the festival.
“Based on my experience, shoppers do last minute shopping like during Lunar New Year. They will buy the mooncakes a few days before the celebration,” he said.
Asked if his customers prefer local or imported mooncakes, he said this depended on taste and budget.