A total of 2,600 enforcement officers of the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) has begun monitoring prices of goods under the Price Control Scheme in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, from yesterday until June 30.

Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said the monitoring activities would also involve enforcement officers from other relevant agencies, as well as the 'Friends of KPDNKK'.

He said the enforcement officers would be deployed to major retail areas, including hypermarkets and wet markets, while other relevant agencies, namely, the People's Volunteer Corps (RELA), Consumer Squad, community leaders would become the ministry's watchdog.

"Friends of KPDNKK who now numbered 400,000 will also assist us in this. If there are any problems in their areas, they will report the matter to us and we will send over our officers as soon as possible," he told reporters after the launch of the scheme here Saturday.

Hamzah said stern action awaited traders who failed to comply with the regulations under the scheme, and action would be taken against them under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.

For individuals involved in selling controlled items above the ceiling price, they could face a fine of not more than RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both, or be compounded not exceeding RM50,000, if found guilty.

For companies, however, they could be fined not more than RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000.

-- BERNAMA