MUKAH: Traders here have been advised to comply with the festive season maximum price scheme (SHMMP) for essential items during the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak celebrations.
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Mukah branch chief Salihin Den said the scheme was aimed at controlling the increase of prices of essential items in conjunction with Aidilfitri which is expected to be celebrated on May 24, and Gawai on June 1.
He said there were nine types of essential items for Aidilfitri, and 11 for Gawai, and traders are advised not to sell them above the gazetted price.
“It is also compulsory for traders to put pink price tag on each item, which is categorised as controlled price item, and to use verified weighing equipment when the scheme is being enforced during the two celebrations,” he said in statement.
The statement was issued during a price check, led by Mukah branch deputy chief Rozli Likom, in conjunction with the Aidilfitri and Gawai celebrations at Gafu Supermarket here yesterday.
According to Salihin, the nine types of Aidilfitri essential items are live chicken, standard chicken, super chicken, imported beef, Grade A eggs, Grade B eggs, Grade C eggs, whole coconut and grated coconut.
For Gawai, the 11 types of essential items are live chicken, standard chicken, super chicken, live old chicken, chicken wing, Grade A eggs, Grade B eggs, Grade C eggs, pork belly, pork (meat and fat) and live pig.
He warned that if an individual trader or a company fails to comply with the order, action would be taken against them in the form of fine, jail or both, or compound for the first offence.
For the second and subsequent offences, a heavier fine or jail or both would be imposed under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Salihin said that those found selling controlled items at higher prices could face a notice under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
