Reasonable prices with tags, traders and florists reminded
SIBU: Traders have been reminded not to take advantage of lovers rushing for flowers on Valentine’s Day to hike prices indiscriminately, said the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism ( KPDNKK).
KPDNKK Sibu branch chief Kasim Mana cautioned that they would take appropriate action under Price Control and AntiProfiteering Act 2011 if there was any element of profiteering.
“A notice can be issued to traders under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 to provide justification within seven days if they hike prices indiscriminately,” he said yesterday.
Kasim also reminded florists to conspicuously display price tags for their flowers to enable consumers to make a comparison.
“Florists are to display price tags for their flowers conspicuously in view of the anticipated surge in demand for flowers fuelled by Valentine’s Day,” he said.
He added that it constituted an offence under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 for failing to display price tags.
On penalties, he said an offender can be fined up to RM100,000 or sentenced to three years’ jail or both, upon conviction for the first offence.
As for corporate bodies – the fine is RM250,000 for the first offence, he pointed out.
Meanwhile, despite Valentine’s Day being only celebrated today,
A notice can be issued to traders under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 to provide justification within seven days if they hike prices indiscriminately. Kasim Mana, KPDNKK Sibu branch chief
lovers were spotted rushing to florists yesterday to place orders.
Flowers folded from currency notes were still popular here besides paper and real flowers.
A florist ‘Wong’ said he received requests for RM100 notes to be folded into flowers.
“People have different ways of expressing their feelings to loved ones but the florists are hard pressed to fulfil the order, given the time and labour involved,” he chuckled.
He recalled that flowers made from ringgit notes gained popularity among locals some years ago.
He, however, noted his sales were slightly sluggish compared to last year. “I think this year, people have just spent on preparations for Chinese New Year and so, are more prudent with their spending,” he opined.
The public is urged to call 084329202 or 335622 for any hike in price of essential items or unhealthy business practices.