JOHOR BARU: Stricter monitoring of the pricing of goods, including electrical products, is needed after reports that some merchants are adjusting prices in anticipation of rising shipping costs, says a consumer advocacy group.
Malaysia Consumer Justice Association president R. Permal Ramasamy said this must be done to safeguard consumers, who are already facing higher costs for daily essentials.
“While we understand that suppliers and manufacturers are grappling with increased shipping and logistics costs due to global conflicts and diesel rationalisation, more must be done to protect consumers.
“Prices of daily items and food are rising. Now, even household appliances are becoming more expensive. Consumers continuously suffer blow after blow.”Permal said better price monitoring is necessary to prevent industries from raising prices arbitrarily.
He called on the government to introduce more concrete measures to address price hikes.
He also said the group is against the price hike and hopes to meet with the Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to discuss these issues and other consumer concerns.Permal suggested that authorities engage with industry players to better understand the challenges they face and find effective solutions.Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han warned merchants against raising prices without valid justification.
“Otherwise, they risk action under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011,” he said.
Consumers who are unhappy with the price of goods may lodge a complaint with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry through various channels: WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the ministry’s hotline at 1-800-886-800, the ministry’s complaints portal at http://e-aduan.kpdn.gov.my or the Ez ADU KPDN smartphone app.Alternatively, consumers can also visit any of the ministry’s offices.
