| Azlan Othman |
SOME retailers are giving cheaper prices than the fixed maximum on food and drinks, and the public should look for supermarkets which have better offers or cheaper promotions, before making any purchases, said Haji Abdul Amin bin Haji Hashim, the Acting Director-General of the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), yesterday.
Three weeks after the announce-ment of the maximum price for several selected food items in preparation for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, JPKE has yet to receive any complaints from the public or consumers, said Haji Abdul Amin during an inspection carried out by JPKE at the Utama Grand Superstore Sdn Bhd at The Mall, Gadong.
He added that the JPKE inspection of supermarkets is a reminder that retailers must abide by the rules on the maximum pricing of the selected food items.
Also present during the inspection was Dr Hajah May Faezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Economy and Finance) at the Prime Minister’s Office.
“We are thankful to the retailers for adhering to the rules,” said Haji Abdul Amin. “The public should also be cautious on food items for which the maximum prices have been announced. The public can contact JPKE, if the retailers are setting the prices above the maximum.
“The inspection is intended to see if retailers are abiding by the rules, especially during this festive period, and whether they are cooperating with the government.”
Haji Abdul Amin bin Haji Hashim, the Acting Director-General of the Department of Economic Planning and Development, speaking to the media. – AZLAN OTHMAN
When asked about whether there would be enough poultry and egg supplies for the upcoming festive period, Haji Abdul Amin said that based on the feedback from suppliers, there is no indication of a shortage.
“Food stocks for this festive period are fresh, but consumers should always look out for expired products. So far, JPKE has not found any food items past the expiry date during this festive promotion,” he said.
Earlier this month, JPKE issued a statement which said that the revised maximum prices on selected food items would take effect from the first day of Ramadhan, until the seventh day of Syawal, this year.
The main objective is to control the pricing on some products used as the basic ingredients for the preparation of food during Ramadhan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
In addition, the initiative is also intended to assist minimum-wage earners with their preparations for the coming festive season.
The selected food items are whole chicken, eggs, butter, margarine, ghee, milk (condensed, evaporated and cream), flour, chocolate hazelnut spread, coconut milk (condensed, cream and powder), chilli shrimp floss and spring roll wrappers.
Members of the public are also advised to practise prudent spending and compare prices before making any purchases.
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