Price controls on eight items for Deepavali, including big onions and red chillies

PETALING JAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has announced eight food items as controlled items from Nov 9 to 15 under the festive season maximum price control scheme for Deepavali.

The products are big onions, shallots (from India), red chillies, imported lamb with bones, Australian dhal, coconut (wholesale control price) and grated coconut (retail control price), and tomatoes.

"The price control is in addition to products which are already on the controlled items list," acting minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said in a statement on Monday (Nov 6).

He said the implementation of the Deepavali price control is meant to ensure price stability for both consumers and traders.

"The price list, maximum price and the period of implementation is determined by several factors such as demand, supply, present cost, weather, foreign exchange rate, wages and other external factors such as the global economy," he said.

Armizan added that the price limit was determined through consultation with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, government agencies and industry players.

The measure will be enforced through the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, he added.

"The maximum prices determined at wholesale and retail level can be checked through the ministry's webpage at www.kpdn.gov.my.

"Enforcement officers nationwide will conduct checks at strategic locations such as public markets, agricultural markets and essential products stores to ensure consumers are protected from unscrupulous traders," Armizan added.

He said the ministry will ensure sufficient supply of all controlled products during the festive season.

"We hope everyone will adhere to the prices and use red labels for the controlled items.

"Serious action will be taken against those who fail to comply," he said.

Complaints may be directed to the ministry via WhatsApp to 019-2794317/019-8488000; its portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my; the call centre at 1-800-866-800; by email to [e-mail]; its mobile app; and the enforcement operations room at 03-8882 6088/6245.