KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 — There are still traders at Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaars in the Federal capital who fail to display price tags on items for sale, said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).
It said enforcement personnel detected the offence during inspections of 2,000 Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaar stalls since March 2.
The inspections under Op Pantau were conducted to ensure traders comply with laws enforced by KPDN throughout Ramadan and ahead of Aidilfitri.
“Compliance with price tag regulations is generally good, but some still fail to display them and have been reprimanded by enforcement officers on patrol.
“The inspections focus on several aspects, including the supply and pricing of goods, cheap sales, weighing equipment usage, the sale of counterfeit items and essential Hari Raya Aidilfitri goods, as well as halal compliance,” KPDN said in a statement today.
Inspections were conducted at 40 Ramadan bazaars and two Aidilfitri bazaars by 99 enforcement officers, in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
Meanwhile, it monitored breaking fast food prices at Ramadan bazaars in the Federal capital and found that most traders maintained last year’s prices, except for beef and lamb-based dishes, drinks, and desserts, which saw price increases.
“Price increases could occur due to rising costs or other related factors,” said KPDN.
Therefore, the ministry advised consumers to be cautious and avoid buying goods or food without price tags or with misleading prices, as these could be signs of price manipulation.
To date, only four complaints related to Ramadan bazaars have been recorded through Kuala Lumpur KPDN’s e-complaint system.
“Three of the complaints involved viral videos of traders selling lime juice for RM10 and bihun sup for RM20 at the Ramadan bazaar in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, as well as a kuih apam talam seller charging RM2 for extra grated coconut at the Taman Tun Dr Ismail Ramadan bazaar.
“Investigations found that the traders were no longer operating at their locations after their videos went viral. However, enforcement officers will conduct re-inspections to ensure compliance throughout Ramadan,” it said.
— Bernama
