Adhere to Price Control Scheme, traders reminded
PENAMPANG: Traders in the local markets must also adhere to the Price Control Scheme for Chinese New Year 2018, said Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid.
She said during the non-festive seasons, KPDNKK (Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism) Friends had noticed that certain items were sometimes sold at higher prices in local markets compared to the supermarkets here.
She added that observations such as these could be done through Price Catcher, a KPDNKK mobile application for daily price check.
“So I ask the (traders in the) markets, with these controls, not to raise the prices of goods (beyond the ceiling prices set in the scheme),” said Jainab during the 2018 Chinese New Year Festive Season Price Control Scheme launch at CKS Supermarket Donggongon here yesterday.
“Don’t ever raise the prices and I ask KPDNKK to cooperate because I do not want our people to go to the market in hopes of cheaper bargains but instead find the prices had been raised (there),” she warned, stressing that consumers must not hesitate to report wrongdoers to KPDNKK.
Jainab said a hefty punishment of up to RM100,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment or both, or up to RM50,000 compound awaited individuals who sold controlled goods beyond the ceiling price.
For companies, she said a maximum fine of up to RM500,000 or up to RM250,000 would await the offenders in court.
Pink price tags should also be clearly displayed when selling the items included in the scheme or individuals not adhering to this will face a fine of up to RM10,000 or a maximum compound of RM5,000 in court.
Meanwhile, companies not adhering to this can be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded with up to RM10,000.
KPDNKK Sabah deputy director Yahya Sujak said there was no shortage of supply for the scheme that was effective from yesterday till February 21.
“Before this festive season, before the prices were set, we had a meeting with breeders and related departments,” Yahya told the press.
“They have admitted that the supply was sufficient,” he added.
There are 12 items listed under the Price Control Scheme for Chinese New Year 2018 in Sabah.
This includes live, standard and super chicken, Grade A to C eggs, imported round cabbages (Indonesia and China but excluding the Beijing cabbages), garlic (China), and parts of the pig such as stomach, meat, and fat.
Jainab added as per her request, the white pomfret (ikan bawal putih) and large white prawns were also included in the list this time around.
For further information and to lodge a complaint, contact KPDNKK Sabah at +6088 484592 and HOTLINE +1 800 886 800, go to www.kpdnkk.gov.my, make an e-Aduan at eaduan.kpdnkk.gov.my or email e-aduan@ kpdnkk.gov.my.