PUTRAJAYA, March 14 — Consumers have the authority to reject traders who sell food at inflated prices, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh.
Despite the surge in food prices at Ramadan bazaars, she said consumers should be discerning and wield their influence to refuse purchases from traders charging excessive amounts.
“While there have been complaints about high food prices, the ministry ensures that traders do not engage in profiteering or impose unreasonable price hikes,” Fuziah said to the press after launching the Rahmah Ramadan Bazaar (BRR) 2024 at Precinct 14 today.
She stressed that consumers can dictate market prices, which compels traders to lower their prices.
Citing the example of pricey murtabak at Ramadan bazaars, Fuziah said the price surge is inevitable due to the escalating costs of raw materials like imported meat and onions.
Currently, KPDN has received 126 complaints and initiated 11 investigations, with nine focusing on Ramadan bazaars during Ops Pantau, which were conducted over two days starting from March 12.
Of the nine cases concerning Ramadan bazaars, five were regarding the absence of price tags, while four were related to price hikes.
On another note, she said BRR 2024 is a continuation of the successful event from last year, which attracted 1,014 traders.
One of the criteria for BRR is that 40 per cent of traders at BRR locations must offer Rahmah-priced menus and encourage reasonable rental rates for traders.
BRR 2024 spans 64 locations nationwide, offering Rahmah-priced menus priced at RM5 and below as an additional option for buyers.
— Bernama
