KUALA LUMPUR: The government has expanded the Deepavali Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) to cover 11 essential items this year, up from nine last year, amid supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the scheme would run from Nov 4 to 10, covering four days before Deepavali, the festival day on Nov 8 and two days after.
“Last year, we were only able to list nine items under the festive season maximum price scheme.
“This year, through cooperation with all parties, we have increased the number of controlled items to 11 from nine last year, with coconut milk and potatoes imported from China added to the list,” he said at a press conference at ST Rosyam Mart in Jakel Square here today.
Armizan said the conflict in West Asia had disrupted supply chains beyond the fuel sector, affecting petrochemicals and packaging materials while putting pressure on costs.
“Despite the challenges, we have managed to ensure that supplies are available and sufficient. When supplies are adequate, this helps mitigate rising costs,” he said.
He said the scheme was formulated following engagement sessions with government agencies and industry players to ensure that the price ceilings were practical and took current market conditions into account.
Comparing the maximum prices with those set last year, Armizan said four items in Peninsular Malaysia recorded price reductions, three remained unchanged and one increased, excluding the two newly added items.
“In Sarawak, three items recorded price reductions, four remained unchanged and one increased.
“Meanwhile, in Sabah, two items recorded reductions, six remained unchanged and one increased, while Labuan recorded one reduction, five unchanged prices and one increase.
“Imported bone-in mutton was the only item to record an increase in maximum wholesale and retail prices across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan,” he said.
Armizan stressed that traders would be required to comply with the stipulated maximum prices throughout the seven-day period, with enforcement carried out under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
He added that the government had worked with industry players to strike a balance between protecting consumers and ensuring traders were not burdened by an excessively long enforcement period.
“The scheme is intended to create a win-win situation for consumers and traders. Consumers can enjoy reasonable prices, while traders are not pressured by an overly long implementation period,” he said.
Consumers can check the maximum wholesale and retail prices on the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s (KPDN) official website at www.kpdn.gov.my.
Armizan said the government would also continue implementing cost-of-living initiatives in conjunction with Deepavali, including the Jualan Rahmah MADANI Programme (PJRM) and discounted vehicle servicing under the Servis Ihsan MADANI@Petronas AutoExpert (SIM@PAX) initiative.
The SIM@PAX initiative involves 124 Petronas AutoExpert workshops nationwide and runs until Nov 7. Members of the public can book vehicle servicing appointments through the Setel application.
“By combining the discounts or reasonable prices offered by our strategic partners with government subsidies, we can offer lower prices to the people,” he said.
Armizan encouraged consumers to book their vehicle servicing appointments early to secure their preferred dates and locations, particularly ahead of the festive period.
