Ministry to ensure EMCO has minimal impact on veggie supply

 

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has taken measures to ensure the enhanced movement control order (MCO) in Cameron Highlands would have minimal impact on vegetable supply, says Alexander Nanta Linggi.

The minister said the enhanced MCO may have disrupted vegetable supplies and market networks, adding that all divisions at the ministry were ordered to implement appropriate steps to ensure the supply of vegetables from Cameron Highlands is not affected and prices do not escalate.

"KPDNHEP through its enforcement officers throughout the country, especially in Pahang and Perak, will continuously monitor the supply and price of certain types of vegetables that are usually supplied by growers from Cameron Highlands," he said in a statement today.

The media reported a hike in the prices of vegetables up to 40 percent following the enforcement of the enhanced MCO in Cameron Highlands from June 14 to 27.

According to Nanta (above), based on price data obtained by the ministry on June 13, the average daily price of vegetables reported in newspapers such as tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, and beans showed a decline compared to the previous day (June 12).

Nanta said KPDNHEP would impose a control price or maximum price if there was an unreasonable hike in prices of items, adding that action would be taken against parties found to be profiteering under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011.

He said traders would be subject to action under Section 14 (1) of AKHAP 2011 and if convicted, they may be fined up to RM500,000 for a corporation or company, or a fine of up to RM100,000 for individuals, or a jail term of not more than three years, or both.

"Consumers are advised not to panic and only buy goods according to their needs," he said.

- Bernama