Tantalising spread: Armizan (third from right) looking at the various upcoming price-controlled goods in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Eight items, including imported large red onions and Australian dhal, have been listed under the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme for Deepavali from Oct 28 until Nov 3, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said other items were small red onions and rose onions (from India), red chillies, tomatoes, imported bone-in mutton, whole coconuts with maximum price applicable at the wholesale level only, and grated coconut (maximum price at the retail level).
“The list of items, maximum price levels and implementation period were determined based on several factors such as demand and supply, current costs, weather, wage rates and other aspects,” he told a press conference when announcing the price scheme for Deepavali 2024 yesterday, Bernama reported.
Armizan added that the pricing was set after consulting strategic partners of the ministry, including the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, relevant agencies, and industry stakeholders.
“The maximum prices set for the price scheme at both the wholesale and retail levels can be checked on the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s website at www.kpdn.gov.my,” he said.
Armizan said enforcement officers would be deployed to monitor the prices of goods nationwide throughout the implementation of the seven-day price scheme.
“We also encourage public cooperation through reports, complaints and feedback regarding compliance with the scheme, particularly through the complaint platform provided by the ministry.
“We hope for the collaboration of all parties to ensure that the maximum price scheme achieves its targeted objectives,” he said.
Separately, Armizan said the RM700mil allocation to expand the cost of living programmes, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the recent tabling of Budget 2025, had opened pathways for initiatives.
Armizan, who is also Papar MP, said the ministry was planning a new approach, including a special intervention programme in the form of the Madani Sales Programme during festive seasons.
Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated by Hindus nationwide on Oct 31.
