Deepavali:An expensive affair this year?

It may be a pricier Deepavali this year despite the Price Control Scheme on 18 items as announced by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry recently.

Its minister, Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin said the increase in prices for several imported goods such as boned sheep meat, boneless imported sheep meat, small onions and dhal during the scheme was due to the weakening ringgit, as reported by The new Straits Times.

The problems which would be faced by consumers and traders was due to the current economic situation dealt with globally which bring mixed fortunes to the local economy.

Hamzah said that the scheme which begins from November 5 to November 14 include item such as live chicken, standard chicken, Grade A, B and C eggs imported bone-in and boneless mutton leg tomatoes, red chili and lentils from Australia.

Traders must however sell the items at not more than the maximum prices set and for those who did not comply to the scheme could channel their complaints to the ministry via the toll-free line 1800-886-800 or at any of its offices nearby.