CNY price control takes effect from Jan 20

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Saifuddin (right) shows the Chinese New Year 2020 Festive Season Price Control Scheme. Seen with him are (from second right), his deputy Chong Chien Jen, the ministry’s secretary general Datuk Muez Abdul Aziz (tengah), deputy secretary general Dr Alauddin Sidal and the ministry’s enforcement division director Datuk Iskandar Halim Sulaiman. — Bernama photo

PUTRAJAYA: The Chinese New Year 2020 Festive Season Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) will take effect from Jan 20 – Feb 2, with an extra four days and three items added compared to the 10 days and 13 items last year.

The new items are red chilli, tomato and potato from China.

Listed, too, are chicken, eggs, vegetables, dry goods, seafood and pork.

“All of these are in big demand during Chinese New Year therefore the scheme is aimed at stabilising prices and supply,” said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, while adding there is an adequate stockpile of all 16 items.

This year, however, the retail price for garlic has risen to RM9 per kg compared to RM7 per kg last year, as well as for pork and lard which has risen to RM16 per kg compared to RM15 previously.

Saifuddin said higher livestock production and transport costs have been reflected in higher prices.

“The maximum pricing for producers, wholesalers and retailers has been determined through price justification and suitability for the efficient enforcement of a price control scheme that will benefit consumers and traders,” he said yesterday.

Saifuddin warned of stern action against traders who violate the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, adding that 29,543 inspections were carried out last year with many offences involving the failure to display the pink price tag or price, and pricing above the maximum. — Bernama