KOTA BARU: The role of price monitoring officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is crucial to help consumers plan their spending wisely and prudently in supermarkets and wet markets.
The ministry’s Kelantan director Azman Ismail said price monitoring is done every day before being recorded and displayed on the Price Catcher application, enabling users to compare prices during shopping activities.
“Through the officers’ instructions on how to use the Price Catcher app, users will be able to compare prices of one supermarket or wet market with another, thus making consumers better informed,” he told Bernama.
According to Azman, all personnel have to visit supermarkets, wet markets and shops to monitor the prices of goods, especially controlled items like sugar and flour, and send them through the Price Catcher system before noon.
He added that there are a total of 86 price monitoring officers in the state responsible for helping consumers in the five districts of Kota Baru, Gua Musang, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah and Kuala Krai.“The officers are the ministry’s support staff appointed on a contract basis at the Grade 41 level, starting in 2008.
“Their presence has become a valuable resource for consumers to obtain data before making price comparisons,” Azman said.
Meanwhile, the state officers’ head Mohd Shaiful Hafiz Mat Sidik said the personnel are responsible for monitoring 149 premises, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, wet markets and grocery stores.
He said their task is not only focused on one district, but other districts as well.
“Based on my own experience, the job is indeed challenging because sometimes, we find it difficult to get cooperation from traders, especially in terms of putting a price tag on goods,” said Mohd Shaiful, who has been serving as an officer since 2015.
He also said the attitude of obstinate traders needs to change because it is a burden to consumers, even though officers are making every effort to ensure compliance with the directive issued.
Another officer, Enafira Ibrahim, said the difficulty in getting the cooperation of traders peaks during festive seasons as they may not be satisfied with the price scheme set by the government.
“There are some traders who still refuse to put a price tag and possibly try to make excessive profits.
“When we explain the penalties that can be issued, only then will they comply,” she said.
