KUALA LUMPUR – The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has issued 60 notices involving 296 types of goods that have been inspected under Ops Pasar in connection with rising vegetable prices.
In a statement last night, the ministry’s enforcement director Datuk Azman Adam said checks revealed that the increase in vegetable prices was due to the monsoon season; the rise in the cost of inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, and imported pesticides; currency exchange rates; and shipping costs.
He said the ministry viewed public complaints on the rising prices of goods seriously – including for vegetables as reported by the media and on social media platforms – adding that it strives to tackle the issue through proactive action and enforcement.
The operations under Ops Pasar, which is focused on tackling rising vegetable prices in the market, are conducted in accordance with the Price Control Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Azman said a total of 2,200 enforcement officers were mobilised to carry out price checks at premises across the country daily.
Apart from the inspections, he said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry conducted engagement sessions from time to time with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and traders to ensure vegetables supplies in the market are sufficient.
“The (Domestic Trade and Cost of Living) Ministry will not compromise with any party that takes advantage by increasing prices excessively. Strict action will be imposed on those found violating the law,” he added.
Consumers can lodge complaints related to price issues to the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-279-4317 or 019-848-8000; e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my; the ministry’s call centre at 1-800-886-800; email at [email protected]; and through Ez ADU KPDN. – Bernama, February 6, 2023
