TEMERLOH: The demand for mutton in Pahang has increased more than threefold to about 600kg from 180kg during normal weeks ahead of Deepavali this Sunday.
State Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Sim Chon Siang said the increase in demand was notable, as mutton is a popular dish among the Indian community during the festival, adding that supply remains sufficient to meet consumer needs.
"Overall, the supply of all essential items, including food, is sufficient and consumers need not worry about availability ahead of Deepavali," he told Bernama after checking the implementation of the Deepavali 2026 Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) at a supermarket here Friday (Nov 6).
He said the Deepavali SHMMP, implemented for seven days starting Wednesday, covers 11 essential items, up from nine last year.
He added that coconut milk and Chinese potatoes are new items added to the price control list this year to expand consumer protection against price hikes on essential goods.
Sim said that coconut supplies, which faced a slight shortage during last year's festive season, are now sufficient.
"Other controlled items include big red onions, small red onions (India), small red onions (Ros), red chillies, imported bone-in mutton, Australian dhal, whole coconuts, grated coconut and tomatoes," he said.
He added that the Pahang Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is stepping up monitoring at public markets, farmers' markets and shopping centres to ensure traders comply with stipulated maximum prices.
"Traders are also reminded to display pink price tags for items under the scheme. Failure to comply with the directive can lead to action under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011," he said. - Bernama
