By William Isau
SIBU, Feb 9: The public here may still buy chicken meat at prices set by the government as no traders have been found to have exceeded the price ceiling.
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Sibu chief Kelyn Bolhassan today said that based on the ministry’s daily inspection, the traders have been complying with the set pricing.
“From our daily inspection, we found that the traders are selling the items under the new price,” he said.
The government has taken intervention measures by implementing the Maximum Price for Poultry and Poultry Eggs from February 6 to June 6,2022.
Prices for chicken and chicken eggs (Grade A, B and C) have been fixed.
To ensure the supply and price of chicken eggs remain stable, KPDNHEP will continue to hold engagement sessions with industry players and government agencies to ensure the supply of chicken and chicken eggs is always sufficient to meet the daily needs of consumers.
Kelyn said the government’s decision to control the price of chicken and eggs of all grades at the retail level is part of efforts to help the public in the current economic situation.
To curb unreasonable price increases by irresponsible traders, notices under Section 21 of Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 will be issued to any party found to have increased prices sharply and significantly.
Kelyn warned that stern action will be taken against traders who fail to comply with the regulations and any trader who commits an offense will be prosecuted under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
The Act provides for a penalty of RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both, or compounded up to RM50,000 for individuals found guilty, and a fine up to RM500,000 or compound up to RM250,000 for companies found guilty.
As for the offense of failing to place a pink price tag for price-controlled goods, Kelyn said individuals may be fined up to RM10,000 or compounded up to RM5,000 by the court, while companies may be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded up to RM10,000.
Kelyn urged the public to lodge reports with the ministry if they come across traders not complying with the law regarding the price control scheme.
Consumers may channel complaints to the ministry through:
(i) Ez ADU smartphone application
(ii) Website: e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my
(iii) Email to e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my
(iv) Report/ visit to KPDNHEP Sibu Branch Office on 1st Floor, Wisma Persekutuan Block 3, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak. — DayakDaily
