Kota Kinabalu: Nine essential items have been listed under the seven-day Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) nationwide, in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration next week, from this Thursday (Oct 16).
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the scheme, which will run until Oct 22, is aimed at ensuring price stability during the festive period and protecting consumers from unreasonable price hikes.
He said the items listed under the scheme are imported mutton (with bones), tomatoes, red chilies, small red onions and rose onions (from India), imported large red onions, dhal beans from Australia, whole coconuts (maximum price at wholesale level only) and grated coconut (maximum price at retail level only).
“The implementation of the scheme takes into account current market conditions to ensure a win-win situation for both consumers and traders. Consumers benefit from reasonable prices, while traders are not burdened by an overly long implementation period.
“In determining the list of items, price ceilings and implementation period, factors such as demand and supply, current costs, weather conditions, labour wage rates and other aspects were considered.
“The process also involved consultation with strategic partners, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), government agencies and industry stakeholders such as chambers of commerce,” Armizan told a press conference, here, MondayArmizan said the Ministry is working closely with KPKM to ensure a sufficient supply of controlled items throughout the festive period.
“The SHMMP Deepavali 2025 will be enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011, which authorises price determination. The maximum wholesale and retail prices can be checked via the KPDN website at [www.kpdn.gov.my](http://www.kpdn.gov.my).
“KPDN enforcement officers will be deployed nationwide to strategic locations such as public markets, farmers’ markets and shopping centres selling the festive essentials to ensure traders comply with relevant laws.
“The enforcement efforts will emphasise on educating, advising and issue warnings to encourage traders to abide by the law and conduct their businesses ethically,” he said,Armizan said among the common offences committed by traders are failing to display the pink price tags for the items under the price control scheme and selling above the price ceilings.
Hence, he urged all traders to adhere to the set prices and show the pink price tags for the essential items under price control.
Individuals found selling the controlled items above the maximum price can be fined up to RM100,000 or a maximum jail of three years, or both, or a compound of up to RM50,000.
While companies can be fined up to RM500,000 or a compound of up to RM250,000.
For failing to display pink price tags for controlled items under the SHMMP, individuals can be fined up to RM10,000 or a compound of up to RM5,000, while companies can be fined up to RM20,000 or a compound of up to RM10,000.
Armizan encouraged the public to submit detailed complaints through WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, Call Centre at 1-800-886-800, Email at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my and via Mobile app: at Ez ADU KPDN.
