The Deepavali 2018 Festive Season Price Control Scheme was smoothly implemented today with 16 items being sold at the controlled price or at a lower price.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said his inspection at the Kulim Public Market in Kulim today found that the people were aware of the scheme and price tags had been displayed at all the premises.

“I saw a decrease in prices, certain items are priced even lower than the ceiling price set; for example, for fresh mutton the wholesale price under the scheme is RM44, the retail price is RM47, but I saw it being sold for RM42 per kilogramme (retail price), a difference of RM5 from the prescribed retail price.

“Even so, I like to take this opportunity to advise traders to comply with price control regulations throughout the duration of the scheme; failure to do so will only result in stern action being taken against them,” he said after launching the scheme in Kulim today.

He also urged consumers to channel their complaints through various designated channels such as sending an email to [email protected] or WhatsApp to the number 019-2794317.

As many as 16 items, such as live chicken, standard chicken, super chicken, local and imported bone-in mutton, imported bone-in lamb, chicken eggs, tomatoes, coconut, grated coconut, big onions, potatoes and lentils, were listed under the scheme in conjunction with the Deepavali celebrations this coming Tuesday.

- Bernama