KUCHING: The prices of 12 items have been controlled under the Gawai festive season maximum price scheme, which runs from May 27 to June 4.
State Domestic Trade and Cost of Living director Matthew Dominic Barin said the items include live chickens, chicken wings, imported beef, garlic, imported round cabbage, dried chilli and coconut.
"Also included are pork belly, pork (meat and fat) and live pigs, which are important for the Gawai celebration," he said during a walkabout to inspect the scheme at a supermarket here on Friday (May 29).
Matthew said 207 enforcement officers and 101 price monitoring officers have been deployed at strategic locations statewide, including markets, supermarkets and shopping malls, to monitor compliance and investigate complaints.
"We are committed to strengthening the omnipresence of our officers. We will be everywhere to protect consumer interests, ensure a win-win situation for traders and consumers and create a safe and ethical business environment," he said.
Traders are required to display the prices of the controlled items on pink price tags throughout the scheme period.
Individuals found selling the items above the maximum price can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed three years, while companies face fines of up to RM500,000.
Failure to display pink price tags is punishable with fines of up to RM10,000 for individuals and RM20,000 for companies.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who was also present, said the controlled items, particularly pork, were appropriate for Gawai.
"I want to congratulate the ministry for having the flexibility and sensitivity to the needs of the people.
"This reflects the spirit of inclusivity and unity in Sarawak," he said.
He added that the scheme also helped cushion the impact of rising food prices due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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