PUTRAJAYA: Only two cases of non-compliance were recorded out of 2,673 business premises inspected on the first day of Ramadan Price Control Scheme, which began yesterday.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry enforcement chief Datuk Roslan Mahayuddin said the two cases were reported for failure to display the pink price label.
“The cases, which were reported in Penang and Negeri Sembilan, were fined RM100 each.
“However, the overall compliance level of traders and businesses were very high. They have complied very well to our price control scheme,” he told reporters today.
Roslan was met after a price check conducted at supermarket at IOI City Mall here in conjunction with the Ramadan Price Control Scheme.
Last Friday, minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin had announced the implementation of the scheme from May 22 until May 31, whereby 10 essential items were placed under the scheme.
The move, the first of its kind, was aimed at protecting consumers against profiteers during the fasting month.
The controlled items include groundnuts, mung beans, chicken eggs ranging from grade A to C, whole and grated coconut, fine and coarse sugar, and wheat flour.
Roslan said monitoring will be conducted throughout the fasting month to avoid any unlawful profiteering acts by traders.
“It is hoped that through the scheme consumers can enjoy quality goods at competitive prices.
“We hope to receive good cooperation from the traders and the public during this Ramadan,” he added.
The scheme is implemented under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, he added.
“Traders who fail to comply with the stipulated prices will be liable to a maximum fine of RM100,000 and imprisonment not exceeding three years.
“Errant companies, meanwhile, can be fined RM500,000 or a receive a compound fine of up to RM250,000.”
Roslan said traders who failed to place pink price tags on the controlled items can be fined up to RM10,000 in court (or imposed a compound fine of up to RM50,00), while companies can be fined up to RM20,000 in court (or a compound fine of up to RM10,000).
Consumers are encouraged to call the ministry’s toll-free line 1-800-886-800, or send an email to e-aduan@kpdnkk.gov.my if they find traders selling the items above the price ceiling.