Price control scheme for Deepavali announced

PUTRAJAYA: It’s getting nearer to the Festival of Lights with a price control scheme put on 16 meat and vegetable items for seven days from Nov 3.

During the period, these items cannot be sold at prices higher than those set by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry. Deepavali falls on Nov 6.

The items, priced per kilogram, include live chicken (RM5.80), standard chicken (RM7.30), super chicken (RM8.10), local bone-in mutton (RM47) and imported lamb (RM25).

Also under the scheme are Grade A, B and C eggs, to be sold at 38 sen, 37 sen and 36 sen each.

The ceiling price for tomatoes has also been set at RM13 per kg, Indian shallots (RM5.80), imported potatoes from China (RM2.80), red chillies (RM4.50), Australian dhal

(RM3.50), grated coconut (RM7.20 per kg) and imported onions (RM2.80). The wholesale price for coconut is set at RM1.90.

Announcing the list, Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said as the maximum prices would vary from state to state, consumers were advised to check its website www.kpdnkk.gov.my.

He warned that under the Price

Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, those found to be flouting the law could be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed up to three years or both.

They can also be compounded by up to RM50,000.

“Companies face a fine of RM500,000 or a compound of up to RM50,000 if found guilty,” he said.

Traders, said Saifuddin, could also be fined up to RM10,000 and

companies up to RM20,000 for not using the pink price tags for price control goods.

Consumers can report errant traders to the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-279 4317.