IPOH: There is enough supply of bawal putih (white pomfret) for the festive season, says a Perak executive councillor.
Domestic trade, cooperatives, consumer affairs and Chinese new villages committee chairman Woo Kah Leong said that consumers could always opt for other reasonably priced fish if it was unavailable in their area.
He added that while some traders claimed the fish was too expensive to sell, supply remains sufficient at major retail outlets.
"Over the past weeks, in fact just this week, I visited several outlets... and white pomfret is available there.
"I am confident that starting today, it will be sold according to the price set by the government," he told reporters after launching the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's Chinese New Year Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme at the Central Market here on Friday (Feb 13).
Woo had been asked to comment on reports that traders at the central market were not selling bawal putih ahead of Chinese New Year as it would be too costly at over RM60 per kilogramme.
However, Woo said the wholesale price for bawal putih is RM39 per kg, with a retail ceiling price of RM42.
On why the fish was not being sold at certain markets, he said traders have the right to decide whether or not to sell a particular item.
"As a caring government, we cannot force traders to absorb losses by compelling them to sell goods at unreasonable prices. That is the trader’s right.
"At the same time, consumers also have the right to look for cheaper options elsewhere.
"Supply is sufficient this year, not only for Chinese New Year but also for Hari Raya Aidilfitri," he said.
Woo urged traders not to raise prices drastically during Chinese New Year and the upcoming Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, especially as both festive seasons are close together this year.
While small increases to cover additional costs such as overtime were understandable, he said excessive hikes would leave a negative impression on consumers.
He warned that traders seeking short-term profit risk long-term losses if customers choose not to return.
"Traders have the right to make profits, but consumers also have the right to reasonable prices," he said, adding that frequent complaints could lead to enforcement action.
Woo also assured consumers that the supply of essential goods in Perak, including chicken and eggs, was sufficient, even exceeding demand in some places – so sharp price hikes were unjustified.
He said the ministry conducts daily monitoring to ensure stable supplies and regulated prices.
