New mechanism needed to prevent increase in prices of goods- Mas Ermieyati

Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek is urged to find a new mechanism to ensure traders reduce the prices of goods accordingly following the reduction in fuel price.

Puteri UMNO chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said, the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 should be reinforced.

"The minister should enforce the existing Act to ensure that consumers benefit from lower prices.

"If not, a new mechanism should be in place to ensure traders reduce the prices of goods. If not action should be taken against business owners,” she told Astro AWANI here today.

Mas Ermieyati made the comment when asked about the the attitude of traders who refused to lower their prices following the reduction of petrol and diesel prices.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism in its statement on Saturday said the petrol price for RON95, RON97 and diesel had been reduced by 21 sen, 11 sen and 23 sen accordingly, beginning February 1.

With the decline, the current oil prices stood at RM1.70 per liter for RON95, RON97 RM2 and RM1.70 for diesel.

Mas Ermieyati also said Bumiputera traders should appreciate what is being done by the government and not gain excessive profit from the consumers.

"Therefore, consumers need to make wise choices. Your support to increase the purchasing power is needed.

"The government should also hold discussions with traders who deliberately do not want to lower the price of goods.

"They should not sell at the old price which is more expensive as transportation cost has also declined," she added.