Photo: Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The authorities will conduct monitoring under Ops Kesan 2.0 to curb profiteering and price manipulation using the implementation of targeted diesel subsidy from Saturday (June 8) as an excuse.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali warned that stern action would be taken against irresponsible parties and gave his assurance that all complaints would be handled within 24 hours.
"Ops Kesan 2.0 (will) focus on enforcement against any elements of profiteering and price manipulation of goods and supplies," he said after an engagement session with petrol station operators in Kelantan on Friday (June 7).
He said action can be taken under the Price Control And Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, where convicted offenders can be fined up to RM100,000 (individuals) or RM500,000 (businesses) and a possible jail term.
"We have the laws, we have punishments, and we will increase the enforcement as we do not want (the government agenda) to be sabotaged or taken advantage of by certain parties who manipulate prices.
"As we all know, the subsidy has not been abolished, but it will be a targeted one under the Budi Madani initiative," he said.
Budi Madani aims to ensure that subsidy allocations reach eligible groups.
It is divided into individual assistance (Budi Individu), farmers and small growers (Budi Agri-Komoditi), and companies and transport vehicles (MySubsidi Diesel).
He said all parties or businesses closely linked to the targeted diesel subsidy would benefit from the initiative, so there should be no reason for them to increase prices.
"It is not acceptable if they hike their prices," he said.
A dedicated task force had also been formed to look into any issues arising, he added.
"These issues may involve the implementation, and related complaints involving price hikes and services.
"We also have introduced a standard operating procedure (SOP) that for any complaints regarding price or fee hikes prices, follow-up action must be taken within 24 hours.
"We want all the complaints to be addressed," he added.
He said any party involved in price or fee hike complaints must justify the changes within six days.
"We will review their (reasons) before deciding if an offence has been committed or not," he added.
