‘Adequate supply of grated coconut for Raya’
SIBU: There is adequate supply of grated coconut here, which is among the 21 items gazetted under the Hari Raya Festive Price Control Scheme 2017.
The Sibu branch chief of Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism ( KPDNKK) Kasim Mana noted that there was concern over the supply of grated coconuts two weeks earlier.
“But so far, we have not received any complaint – the supply appears to be normal, but we will keep on monitoring closely.
“Traders are not to sell beyond the gazetted price of RM5 per kilogramme ( grated coconut) throughout the enforcement of the festive scheme,” he said after conducting checks on the central market here, as part of the ministry’s compliance inspection for Sibu, Kanowit and Selangau areas. Kasim’s team also included his deputy Ganda Jirap.
Grated coconut is used to make coconut milk – a key ingredient in curries, ‘ lemang’ ( glutinous
But so far, we have not received any complaint – the supply appears to be normal, but we will keep on monitoring closely. Traders are not to sell beyond the gazetted price of RM5 per kilogramme (grated coconut) throughout the enforcement of the festive scheme.
rice in bamboo), ‘ ketupat’ (rice wrapped in coconut or palm leaves) and other Hari Raya culinary staples. Twenty- one essential items are gazetted under the 14- day scheme, which runs till June 30.
According to Kasim, there is also sufficient supply for the other gazetted items. However, he warned traders against pricehiking these gazetted items, which would constitute as an offence under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Upon conviction, an individual can be fined up to RM100,000 or sentenced to three years’ jail, or both; or face a compound of up to RM50,000.
Companies, on the other hand, can be fined up to RM500,000 or imposed with a compound up to RM250,000.
In addition, traders must display the pink price tags for the gazetted items, added Kasim. Failure to do so, individuals can be fined up to RM10,000 or compounded up to RM5,000, while a company can be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded up to RM10,000.
Kasim also advised consumers to spend within their means and buy only the items that they would require.
“Be cautious when dealing with traders, as there are some unscrupulous ones who may take the opportunity to fleece you.
“Should you spot any suspicious or illegal trading activities, report on them at the nearest KPDNKK office.
“For instance, if you suspect the traders are carrying out the illegal ‘Scratch and Win’ activity – report it to us,” he added.
Meanwhile, the retail prices for the 21 items are RM6.70 per kilogramme of live chicken, RM8.50/kg for standard chicken ( complete with head, feet, liver and gizzard), RM9.50/ kg for super chicken (without head, feet, liver and gizzard), RM24/ kg for imported beef, Grade A eggs ( RM0.38 each), Grade B eggs ( RM0.37 each), Grade C eggs ( RM0.36 each), RM15/ kg for red chillies, RM7/ kg for tomatoes, RM4/ kg for imported round cabbage ( Indonesia and China, excluding Beijing cabbage), RM5/ kg for grated coconut, RM6/kg for shallots ( India), at RM4/ kg for large onions (imported), RM16kg for garlic ( China), RM3.50/ kg for imported sweet potatoes ( China), RM11/ kg for mackerel, and RM8/ kg for ‘ikan selayang’ ( local sardine).
For further enquiries, the public can call KPDNKK hotline at 1- 800- 886- 800 / 084- 329202 (Sibu office), or email their complaints to e-aduan@ kpdnkk.gov.my.
Kasim Mana, KPDNKK Sibu chief