ALOR STAR: THE Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry will go all out to crack down on traders who increase the price of food and essential items
during the Ramadan month, said Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.
Bashah said daily inspections would be carried out in markets and Ramadan bazaars nationwide to ensure traders adhere to price- control regulations and avoid profiteering during the fasting month and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
He warned that the ministry would not compromise and would issue notices and compounds to traders who took advantage of the festive season.
“The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry and other agencies have guaranteed that the supply of essential goods and food is sufficient.
“As such, there is no reason for excessive price hike,” he said.
On a related matter, Bashah said the ministry had discussed with cooking oil manufacturers to improve the delivery system to sundry shops, supermarkets and wholesalers to avoid shortage, which recently occurred in Kedah.
He said the supply of 1kg and 2kg packets of cooking oil would be increased by 10 per cent as the demand usually increased during festive seasons.
It was reported earlier this month that the Kedah Consumers Association had received complaints on the shortage of cooking oil and flour.
Its president, Datuk Yusoff Ismail, said the shortage of supply in most areas, including wet markets and shopping malls, had led to the hike in price from RM2.50 per kg to RM3.50 per kg by some traders.