Fomca: Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act must stay

Its deputy president says act is necessary to protect consumers' rights and prevent exploitation by irresponsible traders.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) wants the government to retain the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 in the interest of consumer rights.

Its deputy president, Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said the act was aimed at protecting the rights of consumers so they were not exploited by irresponsible traders.

“The Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 is an important law to protect the rights of consumers. Why must it be abolished?

“If it is abolished, I believe traders will have a field day as there will be no law to stop them, even now they dare to break the law,” he said when contacted, here, today.

Mohd Yusof said the act should in fact be strengthened in the interest of the people and consumers.

Federal Territory Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations also wants the government to retain the act for the sake of the public.

“This act is for the protection of consumers and at the same time, it controls the traders,” said its chairman, Rosli Sulaiman.

“I do not agree if it is abolished, but it should instead be improved and strengthened in the interest of both parties,” he added.

Yesterday, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Hamzah Zainuddin said the government was studying the proposal to abolish the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, said to be unfriendly to investors.

He said talks would be held with traders and consumer associations before a decision is made at the end of the year.