PUTRAJAYA: This year, the prices of controlled items for the festive season will be monitored for only 15 days -- one week before Hari Raya Aidilfitri and one week after.

"Every festive season, the ministry declares certain goods controlled items and closely monitors the prices for 38 days," said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad.

"But this year, because of the escalating cost pressures faced by traders, the time period has been reduced."

"That said, traders should not take advantage of consumers during this period."

He also said the ministry would meet with all parties involved in the trade industry this Monday to list the controlled items for Raya season.

"We hope to get the assurance of traders that supplies will retail at the prices fixed this Monday."

In June, chicken was taken off the list of controlled items. Flour, sugar, cooking oil, condensed milk and bread are among the items that remain.