Call for more control items during pandemic
KOTA KINABLU: Consumers in Sabah are urging the Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) to include more essential goods in the list of control items during the pandemic period, a measure to ease financial burden of the buying public.
Consumers noted that prices of several canned goods, preserved food and fresh products have increased lately making life more difficult to survive during this difficult time.
In view of the negative impact of the pandemic, others suggested that KPDNHEP Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi issue a marching order to his enforcement personnel to conduct stringent random inspections in various wet markets, supermarkets, grocery stores and other outlets to discourage operators/ businessmen/traders from illegally increasing prices of essential commodities.
Retired politician Ron Ganesegaran said such measure from KPDNHEP will greatly help ease the financial burden of Covid-19 affected individuals and families and other consumers in Sabah.
“It is sad to note that there are still irresponsible and selfish businessmen taking advantage of the health situation of the country at the expense of the poor buying public,” he said.
The former Sabah MIC secretary said lengthening the list of control items during the pandemic period especially in areas experiencing movement control order (MCO) is a practical and logical initiative for the government to undertake in its efforts to protect the welfare and interest of the people.
Ron said it is equally important for the government to closely monitor the activities of people involved in the selling of essential goods to avoid unnecessary problems like artificial shortage of supplies and panic buying.
“I am happy with the assurance given by both the Federal and State governments that the country does not foresee any shortage of food supplies,” he added.
In fairness, he said the Sabah Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is doing its utmost to help effectively address the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Sabah Government is giving top priority to the pandemic despite facing other problems like the recent flash flood. Hence, Hajiji deserves full and undivided support from all Sabahans and Malaysians,” he stressed.
Ron urged everybody including the migrant community and foreign workers in the state to strictly comply with the minimum health protocols imposed by the Health Ministry and local authorities.
“I suppose you (public) and me do not wish to experience another total lockdown after Feb 4, so let’s help flatten/reduce the number of Covid-19 cases in our respective communities,” he opined.
Senior Minister (Security Claster) Datuk Seri IsmailSabri Yaakob on Tuesday said any decision on the MCO after Feb 4 will only be made after assessment by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
He said the decision would also take into account the overall interest of the people, including the economic sector.