Kota Kinabalu: Nine items, including small red onions imported from India, have been listed under the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for Deepavali this year, effective from Oct 16-22.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said during a press conference on the programme here on Monday that the seven-day scheme aims to ensure fair prices for consumers while giving traders a reasonable operating period during the festival season.
He said this year’s list includes one more item compared to 2024, covering imported mutton with bone, tomatoes, red chillies, small red onions from India (including the Ros variety), large red onions, dhal beans from Australia, whole coconuts (wholesale level), and grated coconut (retail level).
Armizan said the implementation takes into account current market conditions to strike a balance between consumers’ needs and traders’ sustainability, with the list determined after consultation with the Agriculture Ministry, agencies, and trade chambers.
He added that the scheme will be enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, with KPDN officers monitoring markets and retail outlets nationwide to ensure compliance while emphasising education and ethical business practices.
