23 ESSENTIAL ITEMS PLACED UNDER SHMMP IN SARAWAK

KUCHING, March 14 (Bernama) -- A total of 23 essential items have been listed under the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for Aidilfitri in Sarawak, effective from today until March 28.

Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the items include chicken wings, imported beef, imported round cabbage, large yellow onions and dried red chillies, which are in high demand during the festive season.

“The selection of items, determination of maximum prices, and the scheme’s duration are based on several factors, including supply availability, current costs, weather conditions, wage rates, and other factors.

“In setting the maximum prices, the ministry also considers feedback from government strategic partners, including the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM), government agencies, and industry players,” she said after visiting a supermarket in Kota Samarahan today.

She added that a total of 27 items have been identified nationwide under the maximum price scheme due to their high demand during the festive season.

Fuziah said the scheme will run for 15 days, covering seven days before the festival, one day during the festival, and seven days after.

“A total of 27 items have been designated as controlled under this scheme, with the number varying by state: 24 items in Peninsular Malaysia, 23 in Sabah and Sarawak, and 22 in the Federal Territory of Labuan,” she said.

She added that to ensure trader compliance, the ministry’s enforcement officers nationwide will conduct inspections and monitoring at strategic locations, including public markets, farmers’ markets, and shopping centres.

“These measures are crucial to safeguard consumers’ rights and prevent breaches of the established regulations,” she said.

-- BERNAMA