Ministry targets 100 firms to join price cut

Cooking time: Hasan trying his hand at making a pancake during a store visit in Shah Alam. Flanking him are Chef Adabi Mohd Irwan Nor (left) and Ashdown.

SHAH ALAM: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry has targeted 100 companies, including giant retailers and food and product manufacturers, to join its price reduction campaign by the year’s end.

Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek said so far, 40 companies had pledged to take part in the ongoing campaign.

“With their participation, a total of 488,056 products are being offered at lower prices and are on sale at 1,382 outlets and their branches nationwide.

“This will help the rakyat to cope with the rising prices of goods,” he told a press conference after launching Giant’s Buy Malaysia Products promotion and its Extra Savings Campaign here yesterday.

Hasan said the products involved were mostly household goods, food and beverage and furniture. “The companies involved in this campaign include both Malaysian brands and many international names in household products, including Nestle.

“We are certain this campaign will benefit consumers nationwide,” he said, adding that the ministry was looking at 100 companies to jointly lower product prices by year-end.

He also called on the companies to practise corporate social responsibility towards the community while making profits.

“They must not impose a high margin and only think about making money,” he said.

Hasan said the ministry solved 98% of complaints lodged by consumers last year and urged them to be aware of their rights and report businesses that raised prices after implementation of Good and Services Tax (GST).

On another issue, Hasan said Barisan Nasional’s Sepanggar MP Jumat Idris had the right to lament about the costly impact of GST after having to pay RM1,200 in GST for his son’s medical treatment at a private hospital.

“Anyone has his or her right in voicing opinions on issues. We must not interfere,” he said.

Jumat had reportedly posted his comment on his Facebook page after his son was admitted for a nerve disease and curved spine and was subsequently charged RM20,000 for the treatment and RM1,200 for GST.

He posted that he now understood the rakyat’s struggle and pledged to take up the matter in the next Parliament sitting.