Chong (second right) is seen with his officers after launching ‘FSLCS for Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak 2019’ at Sibu Central Market.
SIBU: The duration of the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (FSLCS) for Gawai Dayak this year has been extended to 14 days, ending June 7 – up from seven days previously.
Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jien told reporters this during a press conference held after the launch of ‘FSLCS for Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak’ at Sibu Central Market yesterday.
He added that the duration of the FSPCS for Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year had also been extended to 30 days (from May 21 to June 19), versus the 15 days enforced previously.
“The ministry has identified 14 items under the price control scheme for Gawai Dayak, and 18 items for Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year.
“Thus, we urge traders to adhere to the directive issued. We are not out to penalise them, but if they flout the law, appropriate action will be taken against them.
“In addition, traders should also ensure that they display pink price tags on the controlled items,” he stated.
According to Chong, the price control scheme for Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya Aidilfitri was implemented to help people get food supplies at reasonable prices.
The deputy minister also reminded traders that strict action would be taken against them should they fail to comply with the regulations stipulated; any trader who failed to comply with the regulations would face action under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Under the Act, individuals who failed to comply with the price control regulations could be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed up to three years, or both, or face compound up to RM50,000 – upon conviction.
For companies, the fine is up to RM500,000 and the compound up to RM250,000, upon conviction.
For failure in displaying the pink price tags on controlled items, individuals face a fine of up to RM10,000 or compound of up to RM5,000 upon conviction; for companies, they can be fined up to RM20,000 or given a compound up to RM10,000, upon conviction.