Traders warned not to hoard coconuts
SIBU: Traders here have been told not to hoard coconuts to take advantage of the soaring demand fuelled by the coming festive season, in the hope of selling the item at higher prices.
Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism ( KPDNKK) Sibu branch head Kasim Mana said this is because coconuts will be a controlled item during Hari Raya AidilFitri, and vendors have to abide by the gazetted price.
“When the Festive Price Control Scheme is enforced later, action can be taken against errant traders who hike prices of gazetted items under Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
“Upon conviction, individuals can be fined up to RM100,000 or sentenced to three years imprisonment, or both. Therefore, the public are urged to be the eyes and ears of KPDNKK and report to us if they spot any unhealthy business practices,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Kasim was asked on the claims by coconut vendors here that they were facing short supply of coconuts to meet the demand during the festive celebration.
It was reported that Majidi Omar, of Kelapa Bagus Enterprise in Kampung Nangka here, said he had also faced a shortage of coconuts this time last year.
Man Pisang, 48, a grated coconut seller at Kampung Hilir here, noted it is more difficult to obtain the supply of old coconuts this year.
He said to get a new delivery of coconuts, he would have to wait a couple of days after placing an order.
He added that he obtained his supply of coconuts from Kabong through a middleman and would usually book 600 coconuts per order, which would last for few days.
Man foresees that with Hari Raya approaching, it would be more difficult to obtain a supply of mature coconuts.
He disclosed that usually he would order between 2,000 and 3,000 coconuts during the festival due to the soaring demand for grated coconut.
Man is assisted by his wife Jamaah Joni, 45.
When the Festive Price Control Scheme is enforced later, action can be taken against errant traders who hike prices of gazetted items under Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. Kasim Mana, Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) Sibu branch head