PUTRAJAYA: The Maximum Price Control Scheme on essential goods will be enforced from May 20 to June 3 throughout Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Pesta Kaamatan and Hari Gawai this year.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the scheme will be enforced for 15 days starting with the Aidilfitri celebration.
"The Festive Season Maximum Price Control For Pesta Kaamatan 2020 and the Festive Season Maximum Price Control for Hari Gawai will be enforced from May 28 until June 3, for seven days.
"The whole scheme for the three holidays will be implemented for 15 days," he told a press conference at the ministry's headquarters here, today.
Malaysians will be celebrating Hari Raya on May 24. Pesta Kaamatan in Labuan and Sabah will be held on May 31, while Hari Gawai will be celebrated in Sarawak on June 1.
Alexander also announced the 11 essential items placed under the price control scheme for all three holidays.
The retail prices for Aidiliftri are:
Live chicken (RM 6.20 per kg);
Standard chicken (RM7.50 per kg);
Super chicken (8.40 per kg);
Eggs Grade A (RM0.40);
Eggs Grade B (RM0.39);
Eggs Grade C (RM0.38);
Local beef per kg (RM34), while imported beef will be controlled in Sarawak only
Imported beef from India (RM20 per kg);
Coconut (RM1.90 each, wholesale price);
Grated coconut (RM7.20 per kg)
In Sabah, the retail prices for the 11 essential items for Kaamatan are:
Live chicken (RM6.60 per kg);
Standard chicken (RM9.50 per kg);
Super chicken (9.80 per kg);
Chicken wings (RM13 per kg);
Eggs Grade A (RM0.41);
Eggs Grade B (RM0.40);
Eggs Grade C (RM0.39);
Imported buffalo meat from India (RM21 per kg);
Live pigs (farm-level control only RM11);
Pork belly (RM22 per kg);
Pork meat and lard (RM20 per kg)
For Hari Gawai, the retail prices for 11 essential items are:
Live chicken (RM6.70 per kg);
Standard chicken (RM8.50 per kg);
Super chicken (RM9.50 per kg);
Chicken wings (RM12 per kg);
Eggs Grade A (RM0.39);
Eggs Grade B (RM0.38);
Eggs Grade C (RM0.37);
Imported beef from India (RM27 per kg);
Live pigs (farm-level control only RM10);
Pork belly (RM19.50 per kg);
Pork meat and lard (RM18.50 per kg)
Alexander said the prices for each state are based on the market price while also factoring in changes, especially on imported goods which are affected by the foreign exchange rate and the increase in utility costs by farmers.
He added that the increase in prices, for example, for chicken in the 'standard' category, are considered normal for the festive season.
"The country is currently affected heavily by the Covid-19 pandemic and there are fewer restaurants and shops open compared to before.
"The demand was even less during the pandemic. But do not compare the prices during this time, as it is a unique scenario. But compared to last year, chicken prices have now returned to normal," he said.
Alexander said those found to be selling controlled items at a higher price could face a notice under Section 21 under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Individual traders could face a fine of up to RM100,000 or a jail term of up to three years, or both, or pay a compound of up to RM50,000 if found guilty of profiteering.
Companies could also be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000 if found guilty.
Traders could be fined up to RM10,000 or compounded up to RM5,000 for not displaying pink price tags; while companies could be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded RM10,000.
Alexander advised traders and companies to adhere to the price control scheme. The ministry, he said, will be deploying its price control officers to monitor and inspect all listed essential items at public markets, wet markets, and supermarkets during the holidays.
The ministry has also created a public complaints team called the 'Skuad Tindakan Aduan Rakyat' (Star) in efforts to address issues effectively.
The public can also lodge complaints on the scheme via the ministry's portal, e-aduan@kpdnhep@gov.my; or by calling the hotline 1800-886-800 or its Enforcement Command Centre (EEC) 03-8882 6245/6088; or via WhatsApp at 019-2794317; or using the Ez Adu smartphone application.