PETALING JAYA: The authorities are monitoring under Ops Kesan 2.0 to curb profiteering and price manipulation following the implementation of targeted diesel subsidies, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said stern action will be taken against irresponsible parties, adding that all complaints will be handled within 24 hours.
“Ops Kesan 2.0, to start on Saturday (today), will focus on enforcement against any elements of profiteering and price manipulation of goods and supplies,” he said after an engagement session with petrol station operators in Kelantan yesterday.
“Action can be taken under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, where convicted offenders can be fined up to RM100,000 (individuals) or RM500,000 (businesses), and a possible jail term.
“We have laws, we have punishments, and we will increase the enforcement as we do not want (the government agenda) to be sabotaged or taken advantage of by certain parties who manipulate prices.
“As we all know, the subsidy has not been abolished, but it will be a targeted one under the Budi Madani initiative.”
Budi Madani aims to ensure subsidy allocations reach eligible groups. It is divided into individual assistance (Budi Individu), farmers and small growers (Budi Agri-Komoditi), as well as companies and transport vehicles (MySubsidi Diesel).
He said all parties or businesses closely linked to the targeted diesel subsidy will benefit from the initiative, adding that there should be no reason to raise prices.
A dedicated task force has also been formed to look into any issues arising, he added.
“We’ve introduced a standard operating procedure for any complaints against price or fee hikes, and follow-up action will be taken within 24 hours,” he said.He said any party involved in price or fee hike complaints must justify the changes within six days.
Separately, Armizan said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will meet with farmers from Cameron Highlands who had earlier raised concerns about the diesel subsidy rationalisation programme.
He said the government took note of the concerns raised by the group and the matter was brought to the attention of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
It was reported that Cameron Highlands Chinese Farmers Association deputy president Cheng Nan Hong said a meeting was held with the authorities in April over the diesel subsidy.
Cheng said he was told that small farmers who had not registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia would not receive the subsidy.
He said 20% to 30% of farmers in Cameron Highlands are small-time farmers who do not have registered companies.
