IPOH: Eateries and food sellers have been told not to hike up their prices in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.
State Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said food sellers should not take advantage of the festive season or school holidays, as action could be taken against them if there are complaints.
“Customers can lodge a report with us if they feel that the prices are unfair.
“We will investigate the matter. If proven, we can issue a compound or take the case to court,” he told a press conference at the ministry’s warehouse in the IGP Industrial Area here yesterday.
“We will also take proactive steps, monitor social media for any complaints and take action,” he added.
As for the supply of goods and raw ingredients for Chinese New Year, Kamalludin said these are ample and available.
“We will launch the festive price-controlled scheme soon,” he said.
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Separately, Kamalludin said the ministry would be more aggressive with enforcement activities this year.
“Under Ops Tiris 3.0, we will beef up our enforcement to address leakages and abuse of subsidies.
“From Jan 1 to 12, we have already opened 34 cases of various offences, including seizure of controlled items like diesel and liquefied petroleum gas,” he said, adding that the value of the seizure was about RM1.9mil.
“The syndicates involved were selling subsidised diesel to industrial and commercial entities.
“We are still investigating and will take them to court,” he said.
Kamalludin also urged the people to continue channelling information on the wrongdoings of traders so action could be taken.
The public can send information to the ministry through WhatsApp at 019-279 4317, its portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my or its call centre at 1-800-866-800. Email messages can be sent to e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my or its mobile app, ‘Ez Adu KPDN.