Are some bazaar traders forming cartels to set high food prices?

THE increase in food prices has become a major public issue and must be addressed immediately to not burden the public, particularly middle- and low-income earners.

The authorities need to address this issue. The focus should not only be limited to food vendors but also the food supply chain.

Measures must be taken at all stages, starting from food producers, such as farmers and breeders, to wholesalers, retailers and food vendors.

The authorities need to ensure that those involved do not increase food prices without justification.

This is crucial since the parties involved point the finger at others when asked why food prices were increased, including in Ramadan bazaars.

Such an attitude is portrayed in Malay folk song Bangau oh Bangau, which highlights the tendency to put the blame on others.

In this regard, the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry should intensify its monitoring and take action against those who are profiteering.

The public must also act as the eyes and ears of the ministry and lodge reports if they find operators who charge exorbitant prices.

The ministry must ensure that traders do not create a cartel that sets high prices for some food.

This tactic is used to limit buyers’ choices.

According to public complaints, traders in some Ramadan bazaars have set the prices for certain food items.

For example, there are those who set the minimum price of kuih at 50 sen per piece.

This may indicate the existence of a cartel among traders who will not sell the kuih at lower prices.

It may be difficult to prove the existence of cartels but it is evident when the price of a food item doesn’t vary much.

While there is a suggestion that such traders should be boycotted, it is difficult to implement if the allegation, that those involved had conspired to raise prices, is true.

Based on feedback, it is learnt that better communication via telephone and social media has made it easier for traders to create a cartel as they can compare and set similar prices for certain food.

Therefore, the price hike may not only occur at one or two Ramadan bazaars, but in many places, especially in popular locations. I believe that consumers should adopt similar tactics by using social media to compare food prices and share information about honest traders and those who profiteer.

By doing so, consumers can make the best choice and support honest traders.