KOTA BHARU, Sept 15 — The role of from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is crucial to help consumers plan their spending wisely and prudently in supermarkets and wet markets, albeit it is an unenviable task.
Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Azman Ismail said that, in general, price monitoring is done every day before being recorded and displayed on the Price Catcher application, enabling users to compare prices during shopping activities.
“Through price monitoring officers instructions on how to use the Price Catcher app, users will be able to compare prices of one supermarket or wet market with another, thus making consumers better informed.”
According to Azman, all price monitoring officers have to visit supermarkets, wet markets and shops to monitor the prices of goods, especially controlled items like sugar and flour, and send them through the Price Catcher system before noon.
He added that there is a total of 86 price monitoring officers in the state responsible for helping consumers in the five districts of Kota Bharu, Gua Musang, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah and Kuala Krai.
“Price monitoring officers are Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry support staff appointed on a contract basis in Grade 41 starting in 2008. Their presence has become a valuable resource for consumers to obtain data before making price comparisons,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kelantan head price monitoring officer Mohd Shaiful Hafiz Mat Sidik said all price monitoring officers in the state are responsible for monitoring 149 premises, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, wet markets and grocery stores.
He said the task of price monitoring officers is not only focused on one district but on other districts as well.
“Based on my own experience, the job as price monitoring officers is indeed challenging because sometimes, we find it difficult to get cooperation from traders, especially in terms of putting a price tag on goods,” said Shaiful, who has been serving as a price monitoring officers since 2015.
He also said that the attitude of these obstinate traders needs to change because it is an incumbrance to consumers, even though price monitoring officers are making every effort to ensure compliance with the directive issued.
Another price monitoring officer, Enafira Ibrahim, said the difficulty in getting the cooperation of traders peaks during festive seasons as they may not be satisfied with the price scheme set by the government.
“There are some traders who still refuse to put a price tag and possibly try to seek excessive profits. When we explain the penalties that can be issued, only then they will comply,” she said.
— Bernama
