Price control a win-win measure for traders, consumers — Nanta
KUCHING: The Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) imposed until June 3 this year is formulated to ensure a win-win situation for both consumers and traders.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said this is due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has led to a drop in business.
“They (traders) need to survive and earn some income for the festive season. On the other hand, consumers also need them for the goods that they are selling,” said Nanta after visiting the Satok Market yesterday.
Nanta who is also Kapit MP said the scheme will also enable traders, especially those involved in the fresh meat industry to revive their business.
“Due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), there was weak demand for fresh meat due to the closure of restaurants and food outlets,” he said.
On another note, he commended traders in Sarawak for being disciplined and sticking to the ceiling price under this year’s scheme.
“Some of the traders here (Satok Market) even managed to sell their goods such as potatoes and beef below the scheme price,” he added.
This, he said, reflects the trader’s ethical and positive response to the scheme which augers well for consumers.
Nanta was disappointed to note that the scheme has been politicised by opposition leaders at the federal and state level.
“I don’t want to be drag into the political part of this. The ministry has done what is needed to suit the current situation.”
He added that this year, the ministry, has increased the number of controlled items to 35 as compared to 27 items by the PH government last year.
Also present was KPDNHEP state director Datuk Stanley Tan.