KUALA LUMPUR: Traders have been warned that action may be taken against them if they take advantage of the current flood situation to increase prices of essential items.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the ministry was monitoring the situation to ensure that irresponsible parties do not capitalise on the situation.
"We will take action under the law if they are found doing so," he told reporters after a ceremony to hand over aid to flood victims at the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) headquarters on Thursday (Dec 23).
At the event, the minister handed over RM80,000 worth of zakat funds to help victims as well as MyIPO staff affected by the flood.
He added that the ministry had introduced the Christmas Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme, which goes into effect from Thursday until Dec 31.
Under the scheme, the prices of eight types of food items will be capped, namely imported turkey, live old chicken (Sarawak only) and chicken wings (Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan only), imported boned lamb, green capsicums, live pigs (control at farm level only), hog maw (Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan only), pork and lard (Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan only).
Asked if there were any reports of traders hiking prices during this period, he said the ministry had yet to receive any.
"We have our own method to establish whether or not a trader has infringed the scheme.
"There has been some increase (in prices) of certain items but it is all within the permitted limit," he said.
The minister added that the ministry will continue to find ways to help those who are affected by the flood.
"We have many sources of donations from factories and supermarkets.
"This is so even when there are no natural disasters, and we still are able to collect assistance.
"We will use the assistance as part of our food bank programme to help those in need of essentials especially food items," he said.
