JOHOR BARU: Traders have been urged not to take advantage of the upcoming Mahkota by-election by raising the prices of essential goods, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Its Johor director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said strict enforcement will be carried out, adding that penalties will be imposed under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 against errant traders.
“So far, we have not received any complaints of price hikes.
“However, if we do, firm action will be taken in accordance with the Act,” she said.
Lilis Saslinda said this when met by reporters after visiting the Jualan Rahmah programme at the parking lot of the Pasir Gudang City Council stadium here yesterday.
She reminded traders to conduct their businesses ethically by complying with the law.
“We will not hesitate to take firm action as we have already conducted extensive advocacy to ensure traders understand their responsibilities,” Lilis Saslinda added.
She also said the state has 200 enforcement officers carrying out daily price monitoring to ensure compliance.
“Every day, 90 officers will be on the ground inspecting prices while enforcement teams conduct checks that are not solely limited to complaints,” Lilis Saslinda added.
With heightened attention due to the Mahkota by-election, Lilis Saslinda said the ministry is determined to ensure that traders do not exploit the situation.
Meanwhile, she said more than 100,000 people in the state benefited from the Jualan Rahmah programme last year.
“For the event in Pasir Gudang, we are targeting over 10,000 households to shop here.”
The programme, which is part of the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, started from Saturday and will end on Sept 15.
“It aims to ease the cost of living, particularly for low-income earners.
“Products such as rice, eggs, cooking oil and flour will be sold at discounts of up to 30%,” Lilis Saslinda said.
The Mahkota by-election will be held on Sept 28 following the death of assemblyman Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, 63, on Aug 2.
