KUALA LUMPUR:The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has assured that there is sufficient supply of essential items, especially food, in the market.

Deputy Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid said the ministry would ensure that supply is sufficient and prices are stable for the well-being of consumers, particularly in the face of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"KPDNHEP monitors the supply chain of goods at the level of manufacturers, farmers, wholesalers and retailers to ensure an adequate supply of goods as well as to avoid the issue of price manipulation by traders," he said in a statement after conducting a check on a supermarket here last night.

“Avoid panic buying, especially during the enforcement of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), as it will create excess and waste. It will also cause price hikes,” he said, adding that consumers should plan before making purchases as well as to adhere to the standard operating procedure set while visiting business premises.

On action taken by the ministry, he said a total of 81 cases, involving various offences related to prices and supply of goods, were recorded since the implementation of the CMCO in Sabah, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya on Oct 14.

"The cases involve a total seizure value of RM117,880 and 57 compounds, with the compound value that has been paid so far being RM14,200," he said.

-- BERNAMA