Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh announced today that the government will take stern action against traders who do not comply with the 2023 Deepavali Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP). The enforcement is aimed at protecting consumers during the Deepavali festival.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, non-compliance with the 2023 Deepavali SHMMP will be addressed under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011. The government’s monitoring efforts will focus on ensuring that traders adhere to the price caps set for eight controlled items identified in relation to the Deepavali celebrations. This initiative is part of the MADANI government’s strategy to ensure the availability of reasonably priced goods for the public, particularly those celebrating Deepavali, and to maintain a consistent supply of these items.

The 2023 Deepavali SHMMP, which applies to three days before, during, and three days after the festival, is designed to balance price stability for both consumers and traders in the current economic environment. The scheme includes items like imported big red onions, red chillies, imported mutton with bone, Australian dhal, and tomatoes.

To enforce this scheme, 2,200 KPDN enforcement officers and 900 price monitoring officers have been deployed nationwide, focusing on strategic locations such as shopping malls. These officers are empowered to respond swiftly to consumer complaints and take action against traders violating the SHMMP.

The public is encouraged to report any violations. Complaints can be submitted through various channels, including WhatsApp at 019-2794317 or 019-848 8000, email at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, the enforcement operations room at 03-8882 6088/6245, the Ez ADU KPDN smartphone application, or the official complaint portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my.