Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Eateries allowed to increase food prices by only 0.1%

STAR, 4 September 2013

PETALING JAYA: Eateries which increase food prices after the fuel price hike will face stern action, says Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hasan Malek.

He said that unfair price increases were defined by sudden hikes and prices that were not in line with the market norm.

“If your neighbourhood mamak restaurant is selling roti canai at RM1.50 when a week ago it was RM1, you should call the ministry. Another suspicious sign is when shops refuse to exhibit price tags.

“Consumers must report in with the exact facts so we can act immediately. Anything more than a 0.1% hike in prices will be looked into,” he said yesterday.

Hasan urged consumers who encountered unfair profiteering to call the ministry hotline at 1-800-886-800, or email in to e-aduan@kpdnkk.gov.my.

He said those found to have in­­creased prices without permission could be charged under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2010.

Separately, the Land Public Trans­port Commission (SPAD) warned taxi drivers against raising fares.

SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar advised taxi firms to wait for the commission’s impact study on the fuel price hikes before it issues its recommendations.

On how soon the price review for public transport would be implemented, Syed Hamid said: “Don’t ask me for an exact date but we are working hard on it.”

He said requests for increase in fares by public transport companies were justifiable.

“But SPAD has to look into the quantum and how it would affect the public.”

No comments: