Don’t take advantage of CNY, association reminds traders

KOTA KINABALU: Risking heavy financial penalty, including imprisonment if found guilty by the court, is not a better option for traders contemplating to take advantage of the Chinese New Year celebration by indiscriminately raising prices of commodities, particularly the controlled items.

Traders should bear in mind that the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry is serious in running after violators of the price control scheme nationwide.

Issuing the reminder to traders in Sabah yesterday, Malaysian Consumer Protection Association (MCPA) Sabah Chapter chairman David Chan said the ministry concerned had listed and announced 13 goods under the Festive Season Price Control Scheme in conjunction with the Chinese New Year which falls on Feb 16-17.

According to Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainadin, he said the controlled items namely live chicken, standard chicken, super chicken, grades A, B and C chicken eggs, round cabbage imported from Indonesia and China excluding Beijing cabbage, garlic (from China), white pomfret, large white prawns and pork will be enforced for 12 days starting from February 10.

David said it would be best if traders refrain from overcharging consumers to avoid unnecessary problems in the future.

“Complying with the ministry’s price control regulations will also allow the public, particularly consumers, to celebrate this year’s auspicious occasion without facing much financial burden,” the chairman stressed.

Hence, David urged traders to ensure that the 13 goods are sold lower than the maximum and must affix the pink price tag to differentiate them from the other products.

“The association is also calling all consumers in Sabah not to hesitate to report to the ministry of any traders violating the price control regulations for the betterment of everybody,” he reiterated.

Traders who failed to comply with the price control regulation were liable to be fined up to RM100,000 or sentenced up to a maximum of three years’ jail, or both, upon conviction.

Individuals could be compounded up to RM50,000 while companies could be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000 upon conviction, David reminded the parties concerned.

On failure to affix the pink price tag, he said under the law, offenders risk RM10,000 fine or compound up to RM5,000 while companies can be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded up to RM10,000.