Eighteen items under price control for Hari Raya

The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry has fixed the maximum price for 18 controlled items for 17 days, from July 20 to Aug 5, according to the Festive Season Price Control Scheme in conjunction with Aidilfitri.

Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek said the scheme would be implemented in accordance with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 in 149 districts throughout the country during the festive season.

Aidilfitri is expected to fall on July 28.

Hasan said among the items were live chicken, standard chicken, super chicken, local beef, imported beef (maximum price in Sarawak only), imported buffalo meat, chicken eggs grades A, B and C, red chillies and tomatoes.

He was speaking at a press conference after the ministry's monthly gathering organised by the Cooperatives Commission of Malaysia here Thursday.

Other items were whole coconuts, desiccated coconut, shallots (India), imported onions, garlic (China), imported potatoes (China) and mackerel including mabung (seven to 10 pieces per kilogramme).

In Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the maximum price for each item would be based on the controlled price during the Pesta Kaamatan and Hari Gawai last May.

"However, the price of local beef in Sabah and Labuan is higher compared to that for Aidilfitri in 2013 as it is subject to market forces.

"At the same time, the maximum price for each item would differ according to the place, depending on several factors including the distance between the supplier and each district," he said.

Hasan warned traders that stern action would be taken against those who failed to observe the regulations under the scheme, including a fine of up to RM100,000 and imprisonment for individuals and a fine of up to RM500,000 for companies.

He said 1,800 enforcement officers from the ministry would be assigned to monitor the situation during the period.