Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh has issued a stern warning to traders who do not adhere to the guidelines of the 2023 Deepavali Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP). Speaking on the matter, the Deputy Minister emphasized the imposition of strict penalties for any violations of these price regulations. The scheme aims to maintain affordability and prevent price hikes during the Deepavali festive period.
Government has released the guidelines for 2023 Deepavali Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme. These guidelines are specifically designed for businesses and traders. The scheme aims to regulate prices and ensure that consumers have access to fairly priced goods and services during this significant cultural celebration.
Deepavali, a time of immense cultural importance for the community, sees individuals preparing for the festival by compiling a shopping list of essentials and festive items. With numerous items in demand for the celebration, these guidelines are set to maintain reasonable and regulated prices across a wide array of products. If the prices soar in the market during festive periods, individuals often encounter significant difficulties due to the resultant rise in their expenses. The price hikes essentially create a financial strain, impacting the overall cost of living during these special occasions.
Fuziah Salleh mentioned that traders who do not adhere to the 2023 Deepavali SHMMP may face potential consequences in accordance with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) of 2011.
“Continuous monitoring will be carried out to ensure the eight items listed by the government as controlled goods in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration are adhered to by traders. This approach is taken out of the Madani government’s concern to ensure the needs of the people, especially those celebrating Deepavali, are not affected and they can buy the goods at a reasonable price and, at the same time, ensure that there is always sufficient supply,” she stated.
Fuziah emphasized that the 2023 Deepavali SHMMP will be effective three days prior to, during, and three days post the festival. This measure aligns with the present circumstances to guarantee price stability for both consumers and traders.
Previously, the government had disclosed that eight specific items, such as imported big red onions, red chilies, imported mutton with bone, Australian dhal, and tomatoes, would fall under the SHMMP for this year’s Deepavali.
In response, a collective of 2,200 KPDN enforcement officers, accompanied by 900 price monitoring officers deployed across the nation, have been strategically stationed in important areas like shopping malls, markets and other places. Their primary objective is to promptly address consumer complaints and take immediate action, in addition to conducting rigorous enforcement measures against traders found in violation of the regulations.
The public has the option to lodge complaints via WhatsApp using the numbers 019-2794317 or 019-848 8000, or through email at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my. Additionally, they can reach out to the enforcement operations room at 03-8882 6088/6245, utilize the Ez ADU KPDN smartphone application, or access the complaint portal at here.
Source: Malaymail
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