Lee (right) checking the price and quality of food items sold at a supermarket in Mutiara Rini, Johor Baru.
IN A bid to help reduce the cost of living among the people, especially among the poor, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and Johor government will work together to hold “Jualan Rahmah” sales across all parliamentary areas in the state.
Johor investment, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the initiative would be held twice a month at all 26 parliamentary constituencies in Johor starting in May.
“We are currently identifying traders and suppliers for the initiative as well as coming out with a suitable schedule for the “Jualan Rahmah” to be held.
“The initiative will be held twice a month in each parliamentary area, so this means that we will be having 52 ‘Jualan Rahmah’ at various locations every month.
“It will be held at different locations each time so that everyone can benefit from the lower pricing,” Lee told reporters when met after checking on the price of goods at a supermarket in Mutiara Rini, Johor Baru.
He said consumers would be able to enjoy discounts of between 15% and 20% for the goods sold at “Jualan Rahmah”.
“The items sold at ‘Jualan Rahmah’ are mostly basic essential items such as cooking oil, rice and flour.
“The events are expected to be held in malls, shops and supermarkets.
“We are looking for suitable locations for the ‘Jualan Rahmah’,” he said, adding that the initiative would hopefully reduce the burden of the people.
Lee also said that the Johor office of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry issued 35 compounds, amounting to RM4,600, to businesses that had engaged in profiteering and selling controlled goods above the maximum price allowed.
“Some 200 enforcement officers from the ministry have been tasked to continue monitoring the price of goods statewide to ensure that businesses adhere to guidelines that have been set by the government.
“We also encourage the public to lodge complaints to the ministry if they come across any businesses that have failed to adhere to the set prices, especially for controlled items,” he said.
He added that the compounds were issued under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Under the Act, individuals found selling controlled goods above their maximum price could face fines of up to RM100,000 or a maximum of three years’ imprisonment or both. They could also be issued a compound of up to RM50,000.
For companies, the fines could go as high as RM500,000 while the minimum compound is RM250,000.
