KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) will continue the monitoring and enforcement operations to increase public confidence during the current situation.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said there were two main issues that caused concern among consumers, each involving factors of supply and prices of essential goods in the market.
“We are sensitive to the grievances of the people, with the spending power (purchasing power) among consumers also affected since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially after the implementation of the movement control order (MCO).
“Thus, the ministry has implemented an immediate action plan, especially involving continuous monitoring and enforcement operations to ensure public confidence.”
He was speaking during an interview with Agenda Awani on Tuesday evening.
Nanta said the action was taken to avoid panic buying and to inform the public that supply of daily necessities would always be sufficient and at reasonable prices.
“It is also to ensure that traders comply with the enforced rules and do not take advantage of the difficult situation to the point that it affects the government’s efforts to reconstruct the country’s domestic economy.”
Between March 18 and Nov 10, Nanta said 476,912 business premises were inspected nationwide to ensure traders comply with the set rules, and 4,684 investigation papers were opened according to various acts under KPDNHEP involving seizure value of more than RM60 million.
“Since the beginning of the MCO, 3,434 cases have been compounded involving a total value of RM1.5 mil. This clearly shows our seriousness in ensuring a responsible business environment that does not burden consumers.
“There is a case of selling face masks at RM11 (a piece). This case has been convicted and fined RM200,000. It is a clear signal that we do not compromise.”
Meanwhile, he said KPDNHEP would strive to ensure the standardisation of prices of goods in Sabah and Sarawak is implemented effectively, especially after being given an allocation of RM40 mil in 2021 Budget, compared to RM20 mil the previous year.
He explained that there were several factors that influenced the price differences between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, including logistics, market size, underdeveloped e-commerce and the ‘local first’ policy.
“KPDNHEP is currently in the process of preparing an information note for the Cabinet on the issue of price inequality in Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan and the Peninsular to help formulate the necessary solution mechanism.
“This includes strengthening the Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan Price Standardisation Programme (Port to Port) as well as the Distribution of Essentials, LPG and Community Drumming Programme by utilising the allocation under 2021 Budget.”
