Action against traders who defy price regulations PUTRAJAYA : Action will be taken against those who defy price regulations set by the ministry, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hasan Malek. Following reports of a price hike in poultry recently due to the upcoming fasting month, Hasan told reporters today that investigations on poultry producers are ongoing. "Producers blame the price increase on the rising cost of production. However, if our surveys show otherwise, we will not hesitate to take action to safeguard the interest of the consumers," he said. Some markets in the Klang Valley have seen the price of chicken rise up to RM9 per kg. To meet the demands of the festive season, the Agriculture and Agrobased Industry Ministry has opened import permits for whole chicken. "We do not want to abandon our local producers but they must play by the rules to be able to compete in the market," Hasan said. The minister met with industry players, including those from the sugar, flour, oil and gas, and hypermarket industries, to strengthen ties between the government and the trade industry. "As a government, we act as facilitators to the trade industry, working alongside them and not against them," Hasan told the 74 businessmen whom he met for the first time since being appointed minister. Like previous years, the ministry will be implementing controlled prices on 21 food items during the Hari Raya festive period. According to the Controlled Prices Act implemented in 2000, the government regulates prices on a number of items during the festive seasons to protect consumers from traders who exploit the rise in demand.The Sun Daily
Posted on: Tue, 09 Jul 2013 07:07:22 +0000
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