Borneo Post
SIBU, 10 AUGUST 2012 - A total of 21 items have been gazetted as essential goods which cannot be sold beyond their ceiling prices in view of the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Sibu branch chief Balraj Singh yesterday said the price control scheme will take effect from August 12 to 26 and will be applicable to areas under Mukah, Dalat, Kanowit and Selangau besides Sibu.
Advising traders against fleecing, he said: “We will not hesitate to invoke the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 against
unscrupulous traders hiking prices of the essential items during the duration of the scheme.
“Upon conviction, they can be fined up to RM100,000 or sentenced to three years’ jail. For subsequent offence, they can be fined up to RM200,000 or jailed for five years.
“As for companies, they can be fined up to RM250,000.”
Balraj reminded traders to display pink price tags for the 21 gazetted items to enable consumers to differentiate them from others.
“Those who fail to toe the line will be compounded not less than RM10,000.
“We have met all the major suppliers, wholesalers and retailers here and they had collectively assured me that there is more than enough supply for the coming festive season,” he said.
The retail prices for the 21 items under the scheme are live chicken (RM6.70/kg), standard chicken (complete with head, feet, liver and gizzard) at RM8.50/kg, super chicken (without head, feet, liver and gizzard) at RM9.50/kg, imported beef (RM24/kg), local buffalo meat (RM23/kg), grade A eggs (RM0.36 each), grade B eggs (RM0.35 each), grade C eggs (RM0.34 each), imported cabbage (Indonesia and China, excluding Beijing) RM3/kg, red chilli at RM12/kg, tomato at RM6/kg, grated coconut at RM4.50/kg, imported groundnut at RM6.50/kg, shallots (India) at RM5.50/kg, garlic (China) at RM7.50/kg, imported onion at RM4.50/kg, potato (China) at RM3.50/kg and Indian mackerel – 8 to 11 fish per kg at RM9.
Meanwhile, Balraj welcomes the public to call them on 084-329202 or 335622 if they note any hike in the prices of essential items or unhealthy business practices.