KUCHING, Oct 29: Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) assures price of essential goods are stable in the current market.
KPDNHEP in a statement today, said the ministry through its National Price Council Division (BHBN), is monitoring and conducting price analysis on a daily, weekly and monthly basis nationwide at selected retail premises, wet markets, hypermarkets, supermarkets, grocery stores and mini markets.
According to the KPDNHEP, the ministry’s enforcement division are also conducting inspection on a regular basis continuously at all levels of the distribution chain such as the farmers, producers, breeders, manufacturers, importers, suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, through various operation such as ‘Ops Catut 8.0’, ‘Ops Pasar,’ ‘Ops Rantai 7.0’ and ‘Ops Samar.’
“Among the types of items inspected were school uniforms, electronic equipment, and basic daily necessities, including wet goods such as chicken, vegetables, eggs, cooking oil, face mask, Covid-19 antigen rapid test kit (self-test) and many others.
“Based on the BHBN data collected and analysed since Jan this year, there is an increase in prices for chicken and egg prices at the end of the month for September, due to the impact of increasing price of imported poultry feeds such as corn and soybeans. However, the price has stabalised since mid Oct, until today.
“BHBN data also shows that chili and onion prices are experiencing a decrease when compared to Feb this year, and it remains fixed and stable until now. The same goes for basic items prices such as local beef, imported buffalo meat, mackerel, mustard and tomatoes, which are also seen to be stabalised at this time,” it said.
KPDNHEP was responding to a report from a consumer association recently regarding the increase of prices of goods as reported by a national newspaper on Oct 23, 2021.
KPDNHEP further explained, in addition to the monitoring and inspection, an engagement session with stakeholders in the industry at all levels was also constantly improved, to ensure that the rising price of goods issue can be controlled and will not burden the people.
The ministry also advises the consumer to always be prudent in managing their daily expenses and conducting appropriate price comparisons.
“Consumers can use the PriceCatcher application for price comparison in their respective localities before purchasing anything,” it added.
Meanwhile, KPDNHEP calls for the cooperation from the consumer association in managing the price and supply of goods issue wisely, to prevent misunderstanding and unrest among the community.
“Consumers and the consumer association that have any information related to traders misconduct can submit their complaint through Whatsapp 019-2794317, Portal e-aduan.kpdnhep, Call Center 1-800-886-800, email e-aduan@kpanhep.gov.my and I ADU KPDNHEP,” it said. — DayakDaily.
