SIBU: A total of 11 items have been set at ceiling prices under the 2022 Christmas Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) for the Sibu Division.
Sibu branch head of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Living Costs (KPDN) Kelyn Bolhassan @ Haliwards said the implementation of the SHMMP this Christmas will be from Dec 23 to 27 which is for five days.
He said controlled price items for SHMMP Christmas 2022 are listed as live old chicken, chicken wings, imported mutton, tomatoes, green capsicum, imported round cabbage, carrots, imported potatoes, pork (belly), pork (meat and fat) and live pigs (controlled at the farm level only).
“To curb unreasonable price hikes by irresponsible traders, appropriate action of issuing a notice under Section 21 of Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 will be taken against any party found to have committed such an offence.
“Please note that strict action will be taken against traders who fail to comply with the regulations under this scheme. Any trader who commits an offence will be penalised for selling price-controlled goods above the maximum price.
“Individuals can be fined by the court up to RM100,000 or imprisoned not exceeding three years or both or compounded up to RM50,000, and for the company can be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000,” he said in a press statement here yesterday (Dec 21).
Kelyn also warned against the failure to place pink price tags for controlled items.
For the offence, he pointed out individuals can be fined by the court up to RM10,000 or compounded up to RM5,000; and the company can be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded up to RM10,000.
He advised traders to comply with the directive imposed and practice an ethical attitude in running businesses while consumers must know their responsibilities and use their rights.
In addition, he reminded manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers not to raise prices exorbitantly after the implementation of this scheme is concluded.
This scheme, he assured would be successful if all parties are responsible and played their respective roles.
Kelyn said if the public or consumers found that there are traders who do not comply with the law regarding this scheme, they can channel complaints to the ministry through Ez ADU smartphone application; Website: e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my or email e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my.
They can alternatively channel their complaints to the KPDN Sibu branch office on the first floor, Wisma Persekutuan Block 3 Sibu at 084-335622 or WhatsApp to 019-2794317.
