18 food items now price controlled

What say you on the issue below?

TEMERLOH: Eighteen food items have been put under price control in view of the Hari Raya celebration next week.

The items include essentials like chicken, local beef, eggs, chillies, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic and ikan kembung.

Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the cap was to prevent traders from increasing the prices indiscriminately as these items were in high demand during the festive season.

“Traders who wish to sell the controlled items can apply for a licence,” he said after checking on goods sold at the Pekan Sehari here yesterday.

Ismail Sabri, who is Bera MP, said 15,057 licences had been issued so far.

He said some 2,000 enforcement officers would also be deployed to ensure that prices remained stable during this time.

“Consumers can complain directly to us and at the same time, use their bargaining power or simply refuse to buy from unscrupulous traders,” he said.