Cost control: Lilis Saslinda checking the prices of chicken at a supermarket in Tampoi, Johor Baru.
JOHOR BARU: The public must play an active role in ensuring that errant traders do not use the rationalisation of the diesel subsidy as an excuse to hike prices, says the Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Its director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said since the new scheme was implemented on June 10, the Johor branch has only received three complaints through its official portal.
“We hope the public can play a more proactive role and not hesitate to file official complaints with us if they come across any unreasonable rise in price,” she said when contacted.
Lilis Saslinda said the public can lodge complaints through the ministry’s hotline at 1-800 886 800, WhatsApp at 019–279 4317, email e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my or its portal at https://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my/
The Johor branch of the ministry, she said, has beefed up enforcement and conducted over 30 inspections statewide since the new ruling came into effect.
“We have also issued notices to several businesses since June 10. This allows us to gain further information on how these businesses come up with the prices they set.
“If we detect any profiteering, then further action will be taken under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011,” she added.
As of yesterday, the Johor branch of the ministry has only issued notices to companies in the transportation sector and tow trucks, Lilis Saslinda said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” she added.
On Sunday, Lilis Saslinda said Johor had issued 22 written notices to transportation companies following the rationalisation of the diesel subsidy.
She said that 20 of the notices were issued to various companies involved in transportation and two to towing companies.
Under Section 21 of the Act, any company found to be manipulating prices will be subject to strict action and may be fined up to RM500,000 for companies and up to RM100,000 for individuals, or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both.
