Armizan presenting the nine types of essential items under the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) after holding a press conference at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) recently.
PETALING JAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers against unreasonable price hikes by unethical traders, including producers and wholesalers.
This comes after the ministry recently announced the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebration next week.
The scheme, which will run until Oct 22, covers nine types of essential goods nationwide: imported mutton (with bone), tomatoes, red chillies, whole coconut (maximum price applicable at the wholesale level), grated coconut (maximum price applicable at the retail level), small red onions and rose onions (from India), large imported onions and Australian dhal beans.
According to Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, retailers are required to display pink price tags for controlled items, sell them at or below the set maximum price and ensure there is sufficient stock.
He added that enforcement officers will be deployed to monitor compliance throughout the implementation period.
“The government expects full compliance from traders. Those who fail to follow the regulations under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 will face stern action.”
Penalties for violating the price control regulations include fines of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both for individuals, while companies may be fined up to RM500,000.
Those who fail to display pink price tags can be fined up to RM10,000 for individuals and RM20,000 for companies, or face compound fines of up to RM5,000 and RM10,000 respectively.
According to Armizan, the criteria for selecting the items focused around essential goods commonly used during Deepavali and the affordability for customers including fresh produce, vegetables and dry goods.
A customer choosing coconuts at a hypermarket in Taman Teratai, Johor Baru. The SHMMP will run until Oct 22, and covers nine types of essential goods nationwide including whole coconut (maximum price applicable at the wholesale level) and grated coconut (maximum price applicable at the retail level).— THOMAS YONG/The Star
“Price determination takes into account factors such as supply availability, current costs, import prices, weather conditions and other relevant factors.
“KPDN also consults strategic partners such as the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM), related government agencies, and industry stakeholders in setting the prices and list of controlled items.”
He added, “KPDN will continue working closely with KPKM and other agencies to ensure sufficient supply throughout the implementation period.
“With strong cooperation from all parties, SHMMP will benefit both traders and consumers, ensuring a fair and meaningful festive celebration for everyone,” said Armizan.
Consumers can compare prices of essential goods in their areas through the PriceCatcher app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Members of the public who encounter price manipulation can lodge complaints via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, call the hotline at 1-800-886-800, email e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my or use the Ez ADU KPDN mobile application.
KPDN takes seriously any complaints involving issues of supply and pricing of goods.
Every complaint received will be acted upon immediately, and an investigation will be carried out within 24 hours.
For more information and a complete price list of SHMMP Deepavali, the public can visit www.kpdn.gov.my or follow KPDN’s official social media platforms.
