KPDNHEP Sibu to intensify price monitoring to protect consumers
SIBU: Traders here are warned not to take the opportunity to raise prices unreasonably in view of this festive season's Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP).
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ( KPDNHEP) Sibu branch head Kelyn Bolhassan said the ministry would intensify its monitoring to protect consumers.
“We do not want any traders to take advantage during the festive season of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak. The KPDNHEP encourages them to adhere to the rules and practice ethics in managing their business,” he told a press conference at the SHMMP ‘Walkabout' Programme held at Everwin Supermarket in Swan Square here yesterday.
In addition to enforcement, Sibu KPDNHEP is also assisted by pricing monitors to facilitate checking on prices of controlled basic necessities.
“Collaboration from all parties is very much needed to make this SHMMP a success. If consumers want to make a complaint, they can submit to the KPDNHEP hotline at 1-800-866-800, the EComplaint portal or contact the nearest KPDNHEP office,” Kelyn added.
SHMMP, which is effective from May 20 to June 3, aims to ensure that prices of selected goods are controlled by ceiling pricing.
The items listed are live, standard and super chicken, imported beef, chicken eggs, grated coconut, chicken wings, pork belly meat, pork belly meat and fat, tomatoes, cabbage, red chili, peppers, potatoes, dried chillies and salted fish including seafood.
Meanwhile, Kelyn disclosed his branch seized more than RM 111,000 worth of goods from business premises for committing various trade offences thus far this year.
This involved 24 cases including seizures from supermarket, retail store and market stall. He said the branch recorded a sum of RM11,550 collected from 22 compound cases for committing trading offences such as Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, Trade Description Act 1961, Weight and Measures Act 1972.
During the period, a total of 2,837 business premises were checked including 481 in rural areas.
The branch received 86 public complaints, with the highest number of 43 cases under control price goods followed by 19 cases of online trading transaction and seven cases of false trade.