BUTTERWORTH: Use the PriceCatcher app to pay less for daily essentials, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has urged Malaysians.
Its Penang director S. Jegan said by comparing prices in advance, especially for significant purchases, consumers can make substantial savings and protect themselves from being exploited by unscrupulous traders.
“It is vital for buyers to arm themselves with knowledge and make informed choices when shopping.
“Enforcement alone cannot curb traders from raising prices at will. Consumers need to be savvy by using the app to check and compare prices.
“If you are concerned about being overcharged, this app can help you find the lowest prices available at nearby locations,” he said after launching the state-level Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme for Deepavali.
Jegan also warned traders not to raise the prices of goods or food arbitrarily during the festive season, adding that action could be taken against them under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act.
He also said the maximum prices of eight items for Deepavali could be viewed on the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry website at www.kpdn.gov.my.
The items, listed under the price scheme for Deepavali which began yesterday and lasts until Nov 3, are large red onions and Australian dhal, small red onions and rose onions (from India), red chillies, tomatoes, imported bone-in mutton, whole coconuts (with maximum price applicable at the wholesale level only), and grated coconut (maximum price at the retail level).
“A total of 137 enforcement officers and 62 price monitoring officers have been deployed to monitor the prices of goods in the state during the seven-day period,” said Jegan.
