KUALA LUMPUR: The Maximum Price Control Scheme will take effect throughout Phase 3 of the Movement Control Order (MCO), beginning April 15.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the move was to avert the possibility of profiteering by irresponsible parties during the extended two-week period.
He said enforcement will be done by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP), as agreed during the Special Ministerial Committee meeting on the MCO today.
“KPDNHEP will implement the scheme in a bid to avert the possible rise in prices of essential goods throughout the MCO.
"This is usually done during the festivities but since we are now into the third phase of the MCO, we decided that there's no need to wait for that.
“The list of products to be included in the scheme will be announced by KDNPHEP soon,” he said today.
Ismail added that the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry (MOA) has also assured that stocks of wet and dry goods, especially rice, were more than adequate to cater to the needs of Malaysians during the MCO.
“There's no need to worry because there is sufficient stocks to go around.
KPDNHEP and MOA have conducted checks and found there is enough supply. So there is no need to resort to panic buying.” he added.