PUTRAJAYA: A total of 22 items will be placed under a 11-day price control scheme from April 26 (Tuesday) to May 6, ahead of the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) has placed the items under four categories namely beef, dried goods, seafood and vegetables.
The ministry has also started enforcing ceiling prices of chicken and chicken eggs from Feb 5 until June 5 to stabilise the prices and ensuring the goods' availability in the market, he said.
"The SHMMP is a measure to curb price hike of essential goods during Ramadan and ahead of Hari Raya on May 3.
"Our enforcement officers, including those in plainclothes will be making rounds on sites such as wet markets and supermarkets to nab traders who flout the price control scheme by selling listed items above the set ceiling prices," he said in a press conference here today.
Nanta said a discussion would be held tomorrow on whether the ceiling prices of chicken and chicken eggs would be extended after June 5.
The maximum retail prices for some of the items included local beef, RM39 per kg; imported beef (Sarawak only), RM42 per kg; imported buffalo meat, RM20 per kg; ikan kembung (Indian mackerel), RM15 per kg; tomato, RM6 per kg; red chilli, RM17; dried chilli, RM21 per kg; and grated coconut, RM7.60 per kg.
For standard chicken, the government had set the ceiling prices of RM7.60 per kg for wholesale and RM8.90 per kg for retail, while retail chicken eggs prices were capped at 43 sen each (grade A), 41 sen (grade B) and 39 sen (grade C).
Consumers can refer to KPDNHEP for details of the listed items and their ceiling prices.
He said the implementation of the scheme would also affect other food items such as nasi ayam, ayam golek, kuih muih and other fast-breaking dishes that are based from chicken, chicken eggs and seafood.
He said the Scheme is implemented under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Offences carry maximum penalties of RM100,000 fine and three years' jail for selling controlled goods above ceiling prices or to a maximum compound of RM50,000 for individuals; as well as a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or to a maximum compound of RM250,000 for companies.
Meanwhile, those who fail to display the pink price labels for price-controlled items are liable to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or a maximum compound of RM5,000 for individuals; and to a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or to a maximum compound of RM10,000 for companies.
Traders who fail to display price tags face maximum penalties of RM50,000 fine and two years' jail for individuals; and RM100,000 fine or RM50,000 compound for companies.
"The setting of prices in states were made based on the current market prices, taking into consideration changes of prices due to factors like imports, currency exchange and utility cost for producers."
He said KPDNHEP sets the maximum prices for producers, wholesale and retail based on information gathered in all districts nationwide, as well as feedback from various government agencies.
They include the Veterinary Services Department, Agriculture Department, Fisheries Department, as well as discussions with producers, importers, supplies and wholesalers.
Earlier, Nanta in his speech during the ministry's monthly assembly said various operations namely Op Catut, Op Suri, Op Spanar, and the latest Op Pantau, aims to protect the rights of consumers and the domestic market.
He said this year, a total of 279,251 premises were checked nationwide (up to March) with 3,992 investigation papers opened.
"Goods worth RM13.32 million in total were seized. A total RM1.66 million in compounds and RM41,000 fines were issued. A total of 6,706 complaints were lodged to KPDNHEP during the period.
"Last year, 864,973 premises were checked nationwide and 10,586 investigation papers were opened. Goods worth RM36.15 million in total were confiscated, with an overall RM6.24 million in compounds and RM1.66 million fines were issued. KPDNHEP received a total of 273,328 complaints last year."