Sunday July 22, 2007

Potter price war good for consumers, says minister

By BEH YUEN HUI

JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry views the price war among book retailers over the latest Harry Potter book as a move that benefits consumers.

Its Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal said the book was not a controlled item and was not under the control of the government.

“If there is a drop in price that the suppliers can afford, this is for the good and does not violate the law.

“If traders can reduce their prices and not sell at a loss, we should encourage this as it really benefit the people,” he said.

A price war sparked by hypermarkets here began Saturday when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows went on sale for the first time.

Hypermarkets are selling the book for RM69.90, nearly half the retail price of RM109.90.

This has resulted in several bookshop chains refusing to sell the book.

“Since we are encouraging the public to read, to be well-informed and knowledgeable, it is very important that books be sold at affordable prices," said Mohd Shafie.

“If there are some ways to ease their burden in purchasing books, why don't we make use of them,” he told reporters after officiating the Gelang Patah Umno general meeting here on Sunday.

Earlier story:
Booksellers to meet next week to decide next move

Citizen Bloggers say
Harry Potter and the Battle of the Bookstores

News Poll

Latest Jobs from Star-Jobs

Latest from StarProperty