The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry plans to micromanage areas with high prices of cooking ingredients to ensure an effective price monitoring process, according to Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. The acting minister for the portfolio stated that this will be achieved through three approaches: continuous checks, area-targeted solutions, and expanding intervention programmes in problematic areas.
Armizan explained that the first approach involves continuous monitoring on the ground by enforcement officers who will use relevant Acts to address any issues that arise. The second approach includes implementing solutions specific to problematic locations that are identified. Lastly, the ministry aims to expand intervention programmes in areas such as Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
He further added that these three approaches are currently being carried out. There are over 2,000 enforcement officers and around 900 price monitoring officers regularly deployed to ensure sellers comply with price limits on specific items.
The ministry has already identified areas where chicken is sold at prices exceeding the previous ceiling price of RM9.40 per kilogramme (kg). For example, some sellers offer chicken at about RM11 per kg in certain places, while others within the same area sell chickens below RM9.40. Armizan stated that if there is a supply problem, it will be resolved in collaboration with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
If certain premises continue to charge high prices, enforcement officers will conduct more frequent visits to investigate the issue. The operational cost and profit margin of these premises will be determined, and if the margin is unreasonably high, appropriate action will be taken according to the law. Armizan emphasized that if other premises in the same area can offer lower prices, it indicates that they can also provide more affordable prices. The ministry aims to ensure this by implementing micromanagement strategies.
