PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin wants the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) to work with other relevant agencies in tackling the issue of consumer goods price hikes through continuous monitoring and enforcement.
He said the government is aware that some wholesalers and traders have been increasing the price of goods during certain seasons, as well as of the rising number of public complaints about the matter.
Muhyiddin said a price hike will burden consumers, especially low-income earners, as well as hawkers and petty traders.
“The government needs to ensure that this unethical activity that put unnecessary pressure and burden on the consumers can be curbed in a comprehensive and effective manner,” he said in his speech during a visit to the KPDNHEP Enforcement Command Centre (ECC) here today.
According to Muhyiddin, KPDNHEP’s decision to implement the Festive Seacon Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) from April 21 is a good measure to curb the hikes in prices of essential goods during Ramadan and the upcoming Aidilfitri.
The scheme, which will be in force for 30 days, involves 12 items from four categories, namely chicken, eggs, meat and seafood.
The prime minister said despite some changes in its job scopes, the main function of KPDNHEP as the regulatory body of domestic trade and consumer affairs remains unchanged and has become increasingly important, especially in the face of global economic change.
Admitting it is not an easy task, Muhyiddin, who had led the ministry from 1999 to 2004, said he believed that the ministry, as the frontliners in economic recovery and well-being of consumers, will remain strong in facing future challenges and meeting the needs of the people.
He also wanted all KPDNHEP staff to continue playing a more effective role in regulating the domestic trade sector, especially in distributive trade, to ensure smooth operations of the country’s economy. – Bernama, April 23, 2021
