Kuala lumpur: The government will implement the Chinese New Year Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for nine days from Feb 13 to 21, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. This initiative aims to help consumers access reasonable prices during the festive period, covering four days before the festival, the day of celebration, and four days after.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a total of 16 goods will be price-controlled under the scheme, with variations by state. Specifically, there will be 16 items in Sarawak, 15 in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, and 14 in Labuan. In the regions of Sabah, Labuan, and Sarawak, four additional items are included, namely Siew Pak Choy, red chillies, large yellow onions (Holland Onion), and large red onions, as announced at the Chinese New Year Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme and SHMMP Announcement at Taman Pandan Mawar.
Prominent attendees at the announcement included KPDN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, KPDN Director-General Azman Adam, state Exco for Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Allex Seah Shoo Chin, and Kota Melaka Member of Parliament Khoo Poay Tiong.
The 16 price-controlled items for the Chinese New Year celebration include white pomfret, white prawns, garlic (China), large yellow onions, large red onions, Siew Pak Choy, red chillies, and imported round cabbage (Indonesia and China, excluding Beijing). The list also features carrots (China), radishes, potatoes (China), old ginger (imported), chicken wings, live pigs (control at the farm level only), pork (belly), and pork (meat and fat).
Minister Armizan further stated that KPDN officers nationwide would be assigned to strategic locations such as markets, farmers' markets, and shopping centers selling festive goods to ensure traders' compliance with the scheme. Strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the regulations.
Additionally, Armizan highlighted that to ease the burden on consumers, the government is organizing the 920 MADANI Rahmah Sales Programmes (PJRM) nationwide from Feb 13 to 17. The schedule is available on the KPDN website via the link rahmah, and complaints can be lodged through KPDN's hotline, WhatsApp, website, email, or Ez ADU KPDN app.