KUALA LUMPUR: Consumer associations said the prices of goods were still manageable ahead of Deepavali, but urged the government to look into a shortage in supply of packet cooking oil and sugar.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer N.V. Subbarow said in this regard, he said while welcoming the announcement of the Price Control Scheme for Deepavali on Monday.
He lauded the approach which Malaysia has done in all major festivals as he observed that prices for essential goods had risen tremendously.
"I have received complaints that consumers could not get plastic packets of cooking oil and sugar. These two are significant ingredients for Hindus in making festive cookies.
"Note that Hindus from the B40 community will also be celebrating the upcoming Deepavali, so the needed goods shall be set at a relatively low price to ensure it does not cause an extra burden for those financially incapable families.
"Price control is a common measure for important festivals in Malaysia. Everyone now is waiting for the list of price-controlled items to be announced on Monday," he said.
Besides the festive price control scheme, Subbarow called for the government to take swift action in resolving the supply shortage in packets of cooking oil and sugar.
"The government shall take necessary measures to increase the supply of packet oil and sugar since both are essentials for consumers.
"Let everyone celebrate the festival of lights in joy, and not be left in the darkness of sorrow," he said.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer T. Saravanan said prices for essential goods have surged, but he assured the situation is still under control.
"Based on observations, the prices of goods vary between different districts and states. Currently, the price for essential goods are fluctuating due to the monsoon season, but it is still manageable," he said when contacted by New Straits Times today.
Saravanan said Fomca observed there was a shortage of local rice and eggs.
Asked if imposing a festive price control scheme would make the supply shortage of certain goods worse, Saravanan said he believed the situation would not deteriorate to that level.
"Not necessarily. The government would have to find alternative ways to increase supply via imports," he said.
Saravanan commended the mechanism for the festive season as it helps to relieve any price hike for essential goods.
"It has been done all this while to ensure that businesses will not take advantage of the high demand during festive seasons.
"By determining the maximum price of essential festive goods, and setting the price of items that are are readily available out there now, it helps to protect consumers' rights and put a stop to profiteering.
"This festive price control list usually includes matured live chickens, imported turkeys, chicken wings, local and imported boned mutton, chicken eggs, tomatoes, green bean sprouts and other staple ingredients for festivity," he said.
It was reported yesterday that the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) expressed concern over a marked increase in the prices of essential items less than 10 days before the festivity.
Earlier today, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry aid it would unveil the list of items to be placed under the Price Control Scheme for the upcoming Deepavali celebration this Monday (Nov 6).
Its deputy minister, Fuziah Salleh, said the measure will be enforced for seven days, covering pre-Deepavali till the end of the festival.