MIRI: Twelve items have their prices controlled by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNDHEP) during this year’s Chinese New Year season.
The ministry’s local branch chief, Joe Azmi Jamil, revealed that the enforcement period is from January 30 until February 8.
“This 10-day scheme is implemented under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011,” said Joe when met after the launch yesterday afternoon.
The launch was done by Pujut assemblyman, Dr Ting Tiong Choon, at Boulevard Hypermarket store at Jalan Miri-Pujut.
The controlled items in the list are chickens (live, super and standard), chicken eggs (grade A, B, and C), imported round cabbage, garlic (China), white pomfret, large prawns (udang putih besar), pork belly, and pork meat.
When asked about the supply of mandarin oranges in this division, Joe said the supply is sufficient.
“At the moment we have not received any complaint on the shortage of the oranges or any of the 12 controlled items,” he said.
He also advised traders in this division to comply with the regulations governing the prices of controlled items.
Joe added that stern action would be taken against errant traders under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Those selling controlled items above the ceiling prices can be fined up to RM100,000 or jail not exceeding three years or both or pay compound fines of up to RM50,000 each, while companies can be fined up to RM500,000 or penalised with compound fines of up to RM250,000.
Those who fail to display their pink price tags can be fined up to RM10,000 or compounded up to RM5,000, while companies can be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded RM10,000.
Dr Ting praised the efforts made by the ministry in ensuring that public are not being taken advantage of during the festive season.
“As we all know, during the festive season, we tend to consume more, and through this scheme (price control), the public are assured of the best prices,” he said.
Complaints on price-controlled items can be channelled to the ministry through its portal e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my or call centre at 1800-886-800 or click in their smartphone app Ez ADU.
