KOTA SAMARAHAN: There was no panic buying—as alleged on social media—at a popular supermarket here following an inspection by authorities.
Instead, officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) found people queueing as per standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines.
Sarawak KPDNHEP enforcement chief officer Mogan Arumugan, who led the team on Friday (May 28), said the long queue probably gave the impression that panic buying was going on.
“They had to bear with the long queue as the premises was limiting the number of people going inside as per SOP.
“Apart from that, they also complied with the one-metre physical distancing rule.
“Due to the upcoming Gawai Dayak and the movement control order (MCO), people are out for last-minute festive shopping and to stock up on supplies,” he said, adding that most were doing this to avoid going out frequently during the MCO.
Mogan assured that supplies of essential goods was sufficient and priced accordingly throughout the state.
Meanwhile, 11 items have been listed under the Hari Gawai 2021 Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme, which will come into effect from May 28 until June 3.
The items include chicken, chicken eggs, meat and pork.
Mogan stressed that Sarawak KPDNHEP would monitor and inspect premises statewide to ensure that businesses comply with the scheme.
“Action will be taken against any business that violates the rules and regulations under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
“Individuals found to have sold controlled items above the maximum price will be fined up to RM100,000 or jail term up to three years, or both or compound up to RM50,000,” he said, adding that a company would be fined RM500,000 or compound up to RM250,000.
Whereas, for the offence of not displaying pink price tags for controlled items, an individual would be fined up to RM10,000 or compound up to RM5,000, while a company would be fined up to RM20,000 or compound of up to RM10,000.
Consumers can channel their complaints to the ministry through: e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my; call centre at 1-800-886-800; Enforcement Command Centre (ECC) 03-8882 6245/6088; or WhatsApp to 019- 279 4317.
