Getting ready: Shoppers buying essentials for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration at a supermarket in Tebrau, Johor Baru. — Bernama
KULAI: There is no data to support claims that prices of goods in Johor Baru are more expensive compared to other locations because of the influx of Singaporeans who visit and shop there, says Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo.
However, she said the public can channel complaints regarding any increase in the price of goods directly to the ministry.
“The ministry has been actively carrying out inspections and we found the supply and selling prices of essential goods still in accordance with the set rates.
“The approach of Johor KPDN is simple, if consumers find that there is an element of profiteering or a supply problem, they can directly channel an official complaint to us.
“Our enforcement officers carry out inspections on every complaint received. So far, our inspection shows that the supply is sufficient but it may take time to reach the retail level,” she added.
Lilis Saslinda said this when asked whether the presence of Singaporeans in Johor Baru had caused an increase in the price of goods in Johor Baru during a press conference at the Senai Exhibition Storage Complex here yesterday.
Earlier, the ministry disposed of RM6.4mil worth of fake goods confiscated throughout last year.
In an unrelated matter, Lilis Saslinda said petrol station owners should place their workers next to petrol kiosks to prevent those with foreign-registered vehicles from filling up the subsidised RON95 petrol.
She added it was the responsibility of petrol station owners to make sure those with foreign-registered vehicles only fill up RON97 petrol as they were bound by the rules set by the government.
“Some of these foreign-registered vehicle owners likely use their debit or even credit cards to pay for the petrol and we know they prefer using petrol kiosks at the far end to avoid being seen filling up with RON95.
“Placing attendants next to each kiosk can make sure these foreign-registered vehicle owners only fill up RON97 petrol.
“This is important because if the petrol station owner is found to be negligent in this matter, they can be fined and the ministry can even close the premises for repeat offenders,” she said.
Lilis Saslinda also said Malaysians should not confront those filling subsidised fuel into their foreign-registered vehicles to avoid anything untoward.
“They do not need to confront the owner of the foreign vehicle involved, but instead just make a complaint with complete details about the petrol station. Our enforcers will take appropriate action in accordance with existing laws,” she said.
