In NILAI, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs has announced the inclusion of 22 items in the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which will be in effect from April 5 to 19.
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali specified that the items covered under this scheme include local beef, excluding batang pinang (tenderloin), imported beef, imported buffalo meat, ikan kembung, ikan selayang, ikan tongkol, and ikan Demudok.
Additionally, the list comprises tomatoes, red chillies, imported round cabbage, long beans, cucumbers, sawi hijau (mustard leaf), imported old ginger, imported shallots, yellow onions, Chinese garlic, Indian red shallots, imported potatoes, dried chilli, peanuts, coconut, and grated coconut.
Armizan emphasized that the purpose of this scheme is to prevent price manipulation, especially for high-demand items such as meat and onions.
He explained that the SHMMP is mandated by the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, allowing for price regulation at various levels including producers, wholesalers, and retailers.
The Minister highlighted that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security conducts regular monitoring to ensure an adequate supply of essential goods.
He added that enforcement officers from the ministry would conduct thorough inspections and monitoring at public markets, farmer’s markets, and shopping centers.
Armizan disclosed that the selection of items for the scheme was based on consultations with industry stakeholders such as producers and wholesalers, with the aim of easing the community’s financial burden during the festive period.
Although chicken prices are not covered under the SHMMP, Armizan assured that they are expected to remain stable. He urged the public to report any unreasonable price hikes through the ministry’s portal for prompt action under the Act.
Moreover, the Minister revealed that a total of 32,348 premises were inspected nationwide during Ops Pantau from March 12 to April 1, resulting in compound notices amounting to RM19,100.
Ops Pantau focuses on monitoring business activities during Ramadan and Syawal, targeting bazaars, wet markets, supermarkets, grocery shops, and online sales. – Bernama
