SIBU: Businesses across Sarawak have been given a stern reminder that they will face action for failing to comply with the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for the Lunar New Year.
The scheme is in effect from Friday (Feb 13) until Feb 21.
The warning follows several cases of traders found to have breached the regulations during last year's festive season.
State Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Matthew Dominic Barin said that last year, 1,049 inspections were conducted across Sarawak under the SHMMP for the season, with action taken in 29 cases.
"The value of goods seized amounted to RM2,701, while the total compound notices issued came to RM3,100," he said after checking SHMMP compliance at a supermarket here on Friday.
Matthew said most of the offences involved traders failing to display pink price tags on the 16 items listed under the scheme.
He added that 66 cases were recorded statewide last year across five festive periods, namely Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Christmas, Gawai Dayak and Deepavali.
"There were no cases last year involving the Christmas festive season price scheme.
"Therefore, we remind traders not to charge prices above the controlled limit.
"They must also comply with the price-tag requirements to avoid confusing consumers," he said.
For SHMMP this year, he added, the ministry has deployed 207 enforcement officers and 101 price control officers at strategic locations throughout Sarawak.
"Inspections are conducted at public markets, farmers’ markets, pasar tamu and shopping centres selling festive goods.
"These inspections aim to monitor non-compliance or investigate consumer complaints so that any violations by traders can be dealt with in accordance with the relevant regulations," he said.
