KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is deploying 2,200 enforcement officers and 900 price monitors nationwide during the festive season.
Its deputy minister, Fuziah Salleh, said the officers and monitors have been assigned to strategic locations, such as shopping centres.
"The ministry is conducting inspections and monitoring prices in conjunction with the implementation of the Chinese New Year maximum price scheme, from Feb 6 to 14.
"The deployment of enforcement officers enables more effective enforcement, where immediate action can be taken against non-compliant traders.
"The main purpose of inspections is to ensure that all parties, especially traders, comply with the prices of goods that are gazetted," she said in a statement today.
Fuziah said penalties for offences include fines up to RM100,000 and imprisonment up to three years for individuals, and fines up to RM500,000 for companies.
She added that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry was extending its cooperation by ensuring sufficient supply of goods.
On Feb 3, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali was reported as saying that the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme would involve 11 controlled items, including white prawns, white pomfret, live farm pigs, pork belly, meat and fat, imported potatoes, garlic, white radish, ginger and red radish.
