Kuala Lumpur: The Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) for Aidilfitri 2025 will be in effect from March 24 to April 7, covering 26 essential items, according to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. The scheme, enforced for 15 days, includes the addition of four new items this year: Indian shallots, Indian rose shallots, carrots, and coconut milk.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the inclusion of coconut milk in the price control scheme is due to concerns about potential price increases despite a stable supply. Armizan stated that the maximum retail price for coconut milk, previously at RM22 per kilogramme, will now be capped at RM17.50 per kg in the Peninsula, RM15 per kg in Labuan, RM12 per kg in Sabah, and RM9 per kg in Sarawak.

The scheme also covers items such as local beef, imported beef, imported buffalo meat, and various types of fish including ikan kembung, ikan selayang, ikan tongkol, and ikan demuduk. Additionally, the list includes tomatoes, red chillies, imported round cabbage, long beans, cucumbers, sawi hijau, imported old ginger, imported onions, yellow onions, Chinese garlic, imported potatoes, dried chilli, peanuts, coconut, and grated coconut.

Armizan highlighted the challenges faced last year due to export restrictions by India and other countries, which affected supply. The inclusion of two types of shallots in this year’s scheme aims to address these issues. The SHMMP for Aidilfitri 2025 seeks to balance consumer and trader interests by providing a fair duration for the scheme.

Enforcement officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living will monitor compliance with the scheme at public markets, farmers’ markets, and shopping centres. Traders who do not adhere to the regulations may face penalties under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, with fines up to RM100,000 or a maximum three-year prison sentence for individuals, and fines up to RM500,000 for companies.