KUALA LUMPUR: Eleven food items including chicken and imported mutton have been put on the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry's price control list for the Deepavali festivities.

       Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the price control scheme will take effect from Nov 1 to Nov 7, a duration which the ministry felt will benefit all.

       “The ministry has identified 11 types of goods for the implementation of the 2021 Deepavali maximum price scheme.

       “The type of goods specified are the main items needed during the festive celebrations.

       “These are items in high demand by the people celebrating the festivities, so it is important to impose a price control on these goods to stabilise the prices and supply on the market.

       “The ministry has set the price control period from Nov 1 to Nov 7.

       “This implementation period is most suitable based on the current situation and will be a win-win for both consumers and traders.

       “Consumers are able to enjoy affordable prices while traders are not stressed by a lengthy price control period,” said Nanta at a press conference here during the launch of the price control scheme.

       Among the items in the list are live chicken, standard chicken, super chicken, imported bone-in mutton, chicken eggs, red chili, tomatoes and coconut.

       The price control scheme is implemented in 91 districts in Peninsular Malaysia, 27 districts in Sabah and one district in Labuan.

       As for Sarawak, the scheme is only implemented in four districts - Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu - where there is a notable amount of people from the Indian community that celebrate Deepavali.

       In the peninsula (except Langkawi), the maximum retail price for standard chicken is RM9.50 per kg, while super chicken is at RM10.50 per kg

       The ceiling price for local bone-in mutton is RM36 per kg for the entire peninsula.

       The pricing of goods in different states varies and are made according to the current market price as well as other factors such as currency exchange rate and increased utility costs for farmers.

       Nanta said his ministry will team up with the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry to monitor the situation on the ground and ensure supply of goods are sufficient and prices remain reasonable.

       He added that action will be taken against traders under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 if they fail to comply with the regulations under the scheme.