MALAYSIAN consumers now have a powerful tool to help them shop smarter and save more, thanks to the government-developed ‘Price Catcher’ app, which allows users to easily compare prices of essential goods across supermarkets and selected retail outlets nationwide.
Developed by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), the app functions as a digital personal assistant for daily spending, helping consumers plan their purchases more efficiently.
A recent survey by Bernama at supermarkets around Kuala Lumpur found that the prices listed on ‘Price Catcher’ largely match those at the outlets themselves, confirming the app’s reliability. However, some discrepancies were observed at wet markets, particularly in the evenings, when some vendors reduce prices to clear stock.
Overall, the app has proven especially useful in the current high-cost environment, although public awareness remains limited.
Zaid Zufri, 42, a regular user, praised the app for helping him secure better deals. “Before coming here, I checked the price of eggs—it was RM12.60 per tray, the same as shown in the app. Imported onions were RM2.90 per kilo, cheaper than elsewhere,” he said while shopping in Taman Maluri.
For homemaker Syahida Ariffin, 45, the app is invaluable, especially when looking for controlled items such as cooking oil and chicken, whose prices often fluctuate.
“‘Price Catcher’ displays the lowest prices at nearby supermarkets and markets. I check the app before choosing where to shop and can save between RM15 and RM30 per trip,” she said.
Despite its benefits, many consumers remain unaware of the app’s existence. Fadilah Fauzi, 30, admitted she had never checked prices before shopping, but added: “Now that I know about the app, I’m definitely interested in using it to cut costs.”
Private-sector employee Mohd Ashraf Zamri, 35, echoed similar sentiments, citing a lack of time as a barrier to price checking. “I bought standard chicken for RM10 per kilo, but after checking the app, I found it’s cheaper elsewhere,” he said, adding that he downloaded the app after being shown how it works.
Launched in March 2019, ‘Price Catcher’ currently displays the prices of 480 monitored essential items, covering wet markets, hypermarkets, minimarts and convenience stores. The listings are updated regularly by KPDN to ensure accuracy and relevance. - July 15, 2025
