‘Win-win for consumers and traders’

KUALA LUMPUR: The five-day Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme for Christmas Day is for consumers to enjoy reasonable prices while not burdening traders, says Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.

“The implementation period of the scheme is appropriate, which is to create a win-win situation for both consumers and traders.

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“This is so that consumers can enjoy reasonable prices while traders are not stressed by a lengthy period of implementation,” the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister told reporters after announcing the list of controlled items in Parliament here yesterday.

A total of 11 items are listed as controlled under the scheme effective for five days from Dec 23-27, including live old chicken (controlled in Sarawak only), chicken wings (controlled in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan), imported bone-in mutton, tomatoes, green bell pepper and round cabbage imported from China and Indonesia.

“We hope that everyone can comply with the set prices and use the pink label for the goods.

“Strict action will be taken against traders who fail to comply with the regulations under this scheme.

“Any trader who commits an offence will be subjected to provisions under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011,” he added.

Salahuddin said over 2,000 enforcement officers from his ministry had been assigned to strategic locations such as public markets, farmers’ markets and shopping centres to monitor the availability of the festive essentials.

This, he said, would enable enforcement to be carried out more effectively with immediate steps taken on consumer complaints and against errant traders.

Information on the scheme and the list of items is also on the ministry’s website at https://www.kpdnhep.gov.my.

Consumers can lodge complaints related to price issues under the scheme by calling 03-8882 6245/6088 or 1800-886-800.

Complaints can also be lodged by emailing [e-mail] or through the Ez ADU smartphone app or WhatsApping 019-279 4317 or 019-8488 000.

Earlier, Salahuddin said food banks had been mobilised to help flood victims starting yesterday.

“We will be comparing notes with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and corporate bodies that are also donating food to flood victims so that wastage and redundancy can be avoided,” he added.

The food bank programme, he said, would be funded under the ministry’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) allocation and there was no need for an extra budget.

Salahuddin said the food supply in all the states experiencing flooding were currently stable although there were reports of more expensive vegetables.