Federal minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been labelled “shallow and stupid” for urging Malays to boycott Chinese traders over high prices arguing that the power to control the cost of goods remains with the federal government.

 

Penang state exco member for agriculture and primary agro-industries Afif Bahardin, saying this, questioned why Chinese traders are being blamed for not reducing their prices when the relevant ministries can easily do so.

 

“No one can force anyone to buy any goods from expensive or cheap outlets. The people do it on their own free will,” Afif ( left ) said during a press conference held in Seberang Jaya yesterday.

 

He said the agriculture and agro-based industry minister failed to understand the real issue that needed to be addressed, which is the lack of government control over the prices of essential goods such as rice and sugar.

 

“He mentions high-end eateries such as Old Town White Coffee outlets, but we are more concerned about the farmers and fisherfolk who produce essential goods like rice, poultry or fish, and who will be affected by the implementation of the GST come April this year,” said the Seberang Jaya assemblyperson.

 

“Where is the minister’s suggestion or proposal to address the concerns (of price increases) by these communities?” asked Afif, whose state portfolio includes health and rural development.

 

“Don’t use race as an excuse to deal with the issue or to incite racial hatred when this is truly just an economic problem,” said the PKR national deputy youth chief.

 

Four avenues available

 

Ismail Sabri has come under fire from various quarters for viewing the problem of rising prices through a racially-tinted lenses.

 

The minister however defended his remark in a Facebook posting on Feb 1 by saying that he was merely referring to “ stubborn Chinese traders who do not want to cut prices”.

 

The Prime Minister’s Office in a statement yesterday backed Ismail Sabri, saying his remarks were not aimed at all Chinese traders.

 

Ismail, meanwhile, remain adamant saying those who took offence with his reference on race was “ petty ” and should instead focus on his call to reduce prices.

 

PAS National Youth Information chief Mohd Nasaie Ismail ( below, right ) agreed with Afif, pointing out four laws that empower the federal government to act against traders who refused to price down their goods.

 

They include the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, which empowers the Ministry of Trade and Consumers Affairs to take legal action against traders involved in “unreasonable and excessive” profiteering, and Section 5 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

 

The 1999 Consumer Protection Act also empowers the minister to form an advisory council to address consumer issues.

 

He added Parliament has also passed the Land Public Transport Act 2010 which empowers the minister to form a commission (Spad) to monitor transportation costs including fares for school buses, public buses and taxis.

 

“With all these laws, it is strange that Ismail Sabri would want to pass on the burden of reducing prices to consumers and traders,” said Mohd Nasaie.