Image by The Sun
As the holiday season approaches, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry in Malaysia has implemented a special Christmas price control list covering 14 essential food items. Datuk Armizan Ali, the minister, announced the initiative, aimed at ensuring affordability and accessibility of key festive ingredients.
Image by Business Today
Running for five days from December 23 to 27, the scheme encompasses items such as imported bone-in lamb, pork belly, live pigs (from farm), pork meat, chicken wings, mature live chickens, tomatoes, green chillies, imported round cabbages, red carrots, red chillies, imported potatoes, red onions, and yellow onions.
Although specific prices may vary by region, the ministry is enforcing the Christmas ceiling price scheme through the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011. The selected items must display a pink price tag, and consumers can verify prices on the ministry’s website.
To ensure compliance, enforcement officers will be monitoring strategic locations, including wet markets, farmer’s markets, and shopping malls. Individual traders found violating the price controls may face penalties of up to RM50,000, court fines of up to RM100,000, or imprisonment for three years. Companies could be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000.
Image by The Borneo Post
Additionally, Armizan Ali addressed the ongoing issue of sugar shortages in the local market. The scarcity of refined white sugar at the controlled price of RM2.85 is attributed to a 150% increase in the global market price of raw sugar since 2021. While 43 companies have been granted sugar import permits, only 5% of the approved supply has been brought in for personal use.
Armizan Ali urged parties to apply for import permits, assuring immediate approval for those who can supply refined sugar at the controlled price. The ministry plans to reassess the situation on January 1, 2024, to prevent further supply disruptions and ensure a steady sugar supply for consumers.
In conclusion, these initiatives aim to make the festive season more enjoyable and affordable for all Malaysians, while also addressing challenges in the supply chain to meet the demand for essential items.
