SERIAN: Traders and hawkers at the wet market here have cooperated and complied fully with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs’ (KPDNHEP) Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) for Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak celebrations.
Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, during his visit to the wet market here yesterday, said there was also no shortage of food supply here.
“In fact, there are also a few sellers who were found selling these food items at a lower price than the recommended by the ministry.
“This shows that they are very ethical traders and do not try to profit by any means necessary. Overall, we are satisfied with today’s visit to the Serian areas,” he told the press yesterday.
Nanta noted that traders and sellers at the wet markets here had previously shown great adherence to KPDNHEP’s instructions.
He also heaped praise on the people here for their ability as consumers to make their purchases wisely during the Covid-19 pandemic as well as during the festive seasons.
“Otherwise, there may have been times when prices are suddenly rising. And in Serian, this has never happened before,” he claimed.
“The areas of Serian and Tarat are also areas where there are many vegetables and livestock farms. It can be said that these areas are also responsible for supplying food to the rest of Sarawak. Thus, we need not worry about the ever-present supply of food here,” he explained.
Additionally, Nanta also assured that there were sufficient food items here in view of the coming Gawai Dayak celebration.
“The traders here had also guaranteed that there would be no problems regarding food supplies for the festivities.”
Nanta had also revealed some additional food items that had been included in the SHMMP that were more relevant to Gawai Dayak and its communities.
“Now, we have also included ayam pencen, which are old chickens. This is very much demanded here during Gawai season maybe because of the way the Dayaks who prefer to use it for making ayam pansuh.
“This item is especially highly demanded in the markets of rural areas, so we put it on the list during the Gawai Dayak festival,” he added.
Nanta was accompanied by Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong, Assistant Native Land Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Assistant Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, and Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus.
