PUTRAJAYA, Jan 20 — The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry is aware that some traders are indiscriminately increasing the price of goods to take advantage of the coming Chinese New Year celebration.
Its minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said enforcement officers have orders to visit the business premises concerned and take the necessary actions.
Traders found to have hiked up their prices for no good reason will face action in accordance with the the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act, he said in a statement yesterday.
He said this in response to complaints from the Consumers’ Association of Penang on the recent increase in prices of vegetables.
Saifuddin said the ministry will not compromise with traders involved in profiteering or those who failed to comply with the Chinese New Year festive season price control scheme on 16 essential items, which comes into effect tomorrow until February 2.
“More than 2,300 enforcement officers from the ministry will conduct checks at all business premises to ensure traders comply with the price control scheme and do not engage in profiteering,” he added.
Those with information on profiteering should complain to the ministry or WhatsApp 019-2794317.
— Bernama
