JOHOR BARU – Several traders, including butchers at Larkin Sentral Public Market here, are fleecing consumers by selling imported buffalo meat, imported mutton, and several other items above the ceiling prices set under the maximum price scheme in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
This was disclosed by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who swooped down on the market today.
“I deliberately came to inspect this market because I received a lot of information about the prices (of goods here), which are sometimes very unreasonable.
“That’s right. Many foreigners (Singaporeans) buy here because it’s close to our border area, so I went to investigate and see for myself, and there were stalls selling imported buffalo meat that did not follow the price set under the maximum price scheme,” he said after an inspection at the market here today.
He said for example, the price of imported buffalo should be sold at RM20 per kg, but there were traders selling at RM24 per kg.
Salahuddin said that a few traders also still fail to put price tags on the goods sold, which is an offence.
“I hope officials will be able to act quickly today, so that the people can shop at the prices we have set,” said Salahuddin.
The Pulai MP has also instructed ministry enforcement officers to act quickly and ensure that the rogue traders do not repeat their offences.
“If (traders repeat the same offence) over and over again, the ministry officials will not compromise and will take strict action against traders because we (the government) have warned them many times," he said.
“The ministry will look at Larkin Sentral Public Market seriously because it is a focus area for foreigners. This will be a problem for local residents who also shop here. We should be firm,” he added. – Bernama, April 20, 2023
