267 notices issued to traders over price hikes - S'gor KPDNHEP

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has issued 267 notices to traders detected to have increased the selling price of goods in the state so far this year.

Selangor KPDNHEP director Muhammad Zikril Azan Abdullah in a statement today said they had also received 114 complaints related to price increases and price tagging, as well as difficulties in obtaining essential items from Jan 1 to April 17.

"Action on complaints received related to the price of goods is given priority, and they are usually resolved within 24 hours," he said.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Zikril Azan said 11 cases involving price tagging offences were so far recorded under the operation codenamed 'Ops Pantau', which is being carried out throughout the state in April and May.

"Selangor KPDNHEP has carried out inspections on 4,064 premises and stalls and found that there are a few traders who still refuse to put price tags on goods for sale, especially in bazaars and public markets," he said, adding that consumers in Selangor who wished to channel complaints regarding prices and essential items could do so via KPDNHEP's 'e-aduan' portal; email to e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my; call 1800 886 800 or WhatsApp to 019-279 4317.

Meanwhile, in PENANG, KPDNHEP enforcement director Azman Adam said a special task force would be created to focus on monitoring the price of fresh chicken charged by suppliers and wholesalers following reports of price hikes.

He said KPDNHEP had also started ‘Ops Pantau’ to review the prices of goods nationwide during the festive period since April 13.

“Given the many grievances related to the increase in chicken prices, we have set up a special task force and have issued 40 notices to producers including farmers and manufacturers, while 24 notices have been issued at the wholesaler level.

"After these notices are issued, we will give them time to supply the information we need, and only then will we decide whether they are committing an offence under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011," he told reporters after conducting a price survey at the Tanjung Pinang Lotuss Supermarket in George Town.

Individuals found guilty under the Act can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed for not more than three years, while for companies, the parties involved can be fined up to RM500,000.

Also present was Penang KPDNHEP chief enforcement officer Peter J. Berinus Agang.

Commenting on the complaints of the increase in chicken prices, Azman said KPDNHEP had received 15 complaints from all over the country through its e-Aduan portal between April 13-17.

"KPDNHEP will take stern action against any trader who raises prices without reasonable cause," he said.

-- BERNAMA