FIRM action will be taken against traders found to be charging unreasonably high prices for school supplies, as the government moves to shield parents from undue financial pressure ahead of the new school year.
Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said enforcement measures are focused on curbing profiteering, even though prices are not regulated in Malaysia’s open market system.
“We do not control the prices of goods because we are in an open market economy, but at the same time, we also monitor to ensure that there is no profiteering.
“If there are unreasonable prices and profiteering occurs, then we will take action,” she said.
She was speaking to reporters after attending a Back-to-School 2026 voucher distribution programme here on Sunday.
The initiative involved RM10,000 worth of school supply vouchers made possible through a strategic collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Berhad in Pahang.
The assistance was provided in the form of RM100 vouchers distributed to selected students to help ease the financial burden on families, particularly those facing economic hardship.
Addressing concerns over availability, Fuziah said supplies of school essentials remain adequate nationwide, with the ministry working closely with major retailers and local distributors to ensure stock levels are maintained.
She also highlighted the Jualan Rahmah Back-to-School programme, which offers discounts of up to 30 per cent to help parents purchase school necessities at more affordable prices.
“The implementation of this programme started on 18 December and will run until 11 January as a measure to address the cost of living ahead of the new school session,” she said.
The ministry has urged consumers to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of price manipulation, reiterating its commitment to protecting households during the peak back-to-school period. - January 4, 2025
