Authorities stepping up vigilance on prices of goods for Ramadan

JOHOR BARU: Efforts by authorities to monitor the price of goods during Ramadan will be beefed up to ensure traders and businesses comply with the law.

Johor Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Lee Ting Han said a total of 200 enforcement personnel are involved in the Ops Pantau 2022 operations.

“This is in relation to the issue where Singapore-registered vehicles were seen filling up with RON95 petrol here,” he said.

The foreign-registered vehicles were seen filling up on RON95 petrol, which is illegal as owners of all such vehicles, including motorcycles, can only purchase RON97.

Lee said enforcement efforts would also focus on places of interest such as Ramadan and Hari Raya bazaars, markets, shopping centres and sundry shops.

“There have been complaints about price increases of raw ingredients of late following the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border from April 1, which we are aware of,” he said after conducting a spot check with Johor Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry director Mohd Hairul Anuar Bohro here on Tuesday (April 5).

They were at the Ramadan bazaar at Plaza Angsana to check if traders were complying with the law such as displaying prices, scrutinising weighing machines and whether there was any profiteering going on.

He added that from April 1 to 5, checks had been conducted on 1,050 retailers, suppliers and manufacturers throughout Johor.

“So far, the supply of essential items is sufficient. Firm action will be taken against those going against the law.

“The Ministry can also carry out enforcement and monitor the movement and sale of controlled items and subsidised items under the Control of Supplies Act 1961,” he said.

Consumers in Johor can lodge a complaint with the ministry via the hotline 03-8000 8000, call centre at 1-800 886 800 or via WhatsApp to the ministry at 019-279 4317.

The public can also head to any of the eight ministry offices in Johor.