Ahead of the celebration of Deepavali 2023 on 12 November 2023, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will implement the Deepavali 2023 Festival Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) effective from 9 November to 15 November 2023.
The implementation period is for 7 days which is 3 days before the festival, during the festival and 3 days after the festival. Apart from the goods under the existing maximum control price, the Ministry has identified as many as 8 types of goods that will be controlled under this Scheme. Items involved under the Scheme are:
i. Imported large shallots;
i. Small shallots (Indian) excluding Rose;
iii. Red chillies;
iv. Imported boned mutton;
v. Dal beans (Australia);
i. Coconut seeds (Maximum price at wholesale level only);
vii. Grated coconut (Maximum price at retail level only); and
viii. Tomatoes.
The implementation period of SHMMP Deepavali 2023 this time is appropriate according to the current situation to guarantee price stability for both parties whether at the consumer or dealer level.
The list of goods, the maximum price level and the implementation period are determined based on several factors such as demand and supply factors, current costs, weather, foreign currency exchange rates, wage rates and external factors such as the global economy.
This price determination is made taking into account the views of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), Government agencies and industry players.
SHMMP Deepavali 2023 will be enforced through the Price Control and Antiprofiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011. The maximum price that has been set for SHMMP Deepavali 2023 at the wholesale and retail levels can be checked through the website of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living at www.kpdn. gov.my.
KPDN Enforcement Officers throughout the country will continue to inspect and monitor continuously in strategic locations such as public markets, farmers’ markets and shopping centers for festive goods to carry out enforcement to protect consumers from traders who do not ethical.
The government hopes that all parties can comply with the prices that have been set and use the pink label for goods whose prices are controlled. Please note that strict action will be taken against traders who fail to comply with the regulations under this scheme.
Any trader who commits an offense will be taken action under the Price Control and Antiprofiteering Act 2011 and may be subject to penalties as follows:
(i) The offense of selling controlled price items above the maximum price:
a) Individual; may be fined by the court up to RM100,000 or imprisoned not exceeding three years or both or compounded up to RM50,000; and
b) Company; can be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000.
(ii) The offense of failing to put a pink price tag on controlled price items:
a) Individual; can be fined by the court up to RM10,000 or compounded up to RM5,000; and
b) Company; can be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded up to
RM10,000.
