CHINESE CONTROL MAMAK EATERIES? I’d drink petrol if I could, it’s cheaper than Milo ais’ - irate consumer

KUALA LUMPUR - “I’d drink petrol if I could, it’s cheaper than Milo ais (iced Milo),” lamented a consumer who spoke to The Rakyat Post in commenting on the refusal of traders to bring down their prices.

Azhar Adnan, 46, said he was disappointed with the traders because prices of goods were still not going down despite the drop in fuel prices.

“When we ask traders about this, they give us the excuse that supplies are expensive,” Azhar, who is a factory worker said, adding that the government should clamp down on traders who were making excessive profits despite fuel being cheaper these days.

“Back then they would use the excuse of fuel hike to justify their increase in prices of food items, but fuel is now considerably cheaper.

“Question is, why are they still maintaining their food prices at the price they used when fuel was RM2.70 a litre?” Azhar asked.

Apparently, a glass of Milo ais now costs between RM1.80 to RM2.50 at mamak outlets.

Meanwhile, 54-year-old Md Diah Abu Shah is of the opinion that the government should make frequent monitoring instead of scheduled ones.

He claimed that there were traders who would bring down their prices when enforcement monitors were conducting checks, but would then bring it up again after that.

Azhar Adnan

Md Diah who is a self-employed man suggested for the relevant associations, namely Persatuan Pengusaha Restoran Muslim Malaysia (PRESMA) to standardise the prices of food and drinks at Indian Muslim restaurants registered under their organisation.

“People usually hang out at ‘mamak’ stalls. They have their associations and networks. So they have to standardise their prices.

“Then we will know which shop is expensive. If they can do it, I’m sure other restaurants will follow suit and will not dare to increase their prices too much for fear of customers running away,” Md Diah said.

Also in consensus was marketing officer Md Sarif Daud, 45, who wanted the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry to carry out their responsibilities in a more efficient manner.

Sarif said the rakyat had given a chance to the government of the day to be in power and they in turn should fight for the rakyat.

“KPDNKK must go down to the ground continuously to monitor the prices of goods and not just do it during festive seasons.

“We have relevant agencies to carry out their duties, so they have to do their work. Don’t just wait for the rakyat to make noise before doing something,” he added.

He also wanted the media to play a more active role in urging the government to better enforce the law.

“The voice of the rakyat alone is not enough, the media must help too,” Md Sarif said. - http://www.therakyatpost.com/