Congratulations to the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry for mulling the implementation of the single unit pricing policy in Malaysia. It is just fair that when prices are advertised or promoted, products and services must clearly display a single price which is the minimum total cost that is able to be calculated.

This is indeed good news for consumers who had previously felt short-changed when paying for products and services. It is also commendable that the ministry is engaging all stakeholders in the process, as all view must be heard before policy is implemented.

On behalf of consumers at large, the Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM) welcomes the implementation of this single pricing policy as this will help protect consumers from being duped when buying products and services.

While benefitting consumers, this policy will also be able promote healthy competition among businesses as transparency will be the order. Unfair or misleading price strategy will dampen the spirit of competition at the expanse of consumer welfare.

To date the MCM has received many complaints where consumers actually ended up paying a lot more for a product or service than what was displayed or advertised ,with other ‘hidden’ charges such as service charge, administration charge, surcharges and taxes being added to the final bill.

While the MCM applauds the ministry’s move, however there is a risk of businesses taking advantage by increasing prices when this policy is rolled out as these additional charges will be included in the quoted or advertised rate. Consumers may longer know the exact breakdown of charges and may be left vulnerable to abuse.

It is therefore necessary and important for the government to ensure that businesses are made to pledge against this.

DARSHAN SINGH DHILLON is president, Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM).