SEREMBAN: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry today it is aware that there is an increase in the prices of foods sold at Ramadan bazaar in the country.
Its minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, nevertheless, believed that the rise in the prices of foods was not necessarily due to the increase in the prices of raw material since it is determined by the market.
"I do not deny that there is an increase in food prices. However, it is not right to say that the prices of all goods have gone up since it depends on the demand and supply factor.
"Before this, I have received report claiming that there were stall operators at a Ramadan bazaar selling karipap at RM3 per piece.
"However, checks on the ground showed otherwise when we found nine traders at Ramadan bazaar selling karipap at different price range, including at RM1 for three pieces," he told reporters after conducting a walkabout at the Negri Sembilan Ramadan Rahmah Bazaar at the Garden Homes (Site A) bazaar here today.
Armizan added that in such a case, it was up to the consumer to make the right choice by opting products or food sold are lower in price.
He added that the ministry also did deny that there were few Ramadan bazaar traders who try to take excessive profits by selling foods at unreasonably price range.
"I do not deny this (foods sold at high prices). There are indeed such cases and for those engaged in anti-profiteering, we will issue notices for them to explain their cost structure.
"At the same time, we welcome any complaints from the public and if possible, lodge the complaints through the channels provided before being sharing it on social media.
"When it goes viral, the relevant parties can hide the evidence and we have received reports from enforcement officers about this matter," he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday called for an investigation to be carried out into reports suggesting there is an increase in food prices despite the drop in the prices of rice and poultry.
"I do not want to deny that there are cases of increase in food prices. I was told that food prices have increased although the price of rice is going down," Anwar was quoted as saying.
On a related matter, Armizan said a total 19,428 business premises were inspected throughout the country as of yesterday since March 12.
Of the total, 81 cases of various offences were detected from 566 reports lodged by consumers.
"The offences include failure to display price tags, not using certified scales as well as selling imitation items," he said.