Refer to Sabah first, Jainab tells KL

The Single Pricing Policy (SPP) can be successfully implemented with the involvement of the Sabah state government, said Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid.

KOTA KINABALU: The Single Pricing Policy (SPP) can be successfully implemented with the involvement of the Sabah state government, said Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid.

Jainab welcomed the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry’s decision to make it mandatory for businesses to put up a single price for each of products sold.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin disclosed on Saturday that the SPP is aimed at preventing consumers from being confused on the price of goods and services.

The SPP will be implemented after the Aidilfitri celebration this year following complaints over price confusion and consumers’ grumblings that they are paying more or ‘hidden’ charges than what was displayed or advertised in the final bills.

Jainab revealed yesterday that details of the SPP implementation will be looked into during a meeting with relevant quarters.

She reiterated that the federal government should refer to the state government before finalizing a formulation that would be implemented in Sabah.

“Do not make a law or criteria before referring to Sabah. The Prime Minister has given power to the state government,” she said.

Jainab, however, stressed implementation of the policy will be effective in Sabah with the cooperation of the state government.

However, the minister echoed her previous call for the people to assist in reporting unscrupulous businesses along with proof to the right departments.

She said the government will be able to tackle these issues more effectively with the help of the people in the state.

Under the SPP, the ministry will make it mandatory for businesses to show the exact prices for their items, which would be inclusive of all service charges and other hidden costs.

If implemented, the SPP would require all businesses to display only exact prices, including service charges and the 6% Goods and Services Tax.