Prices of local items remain stable

The Star Online > News

Sunday October 24, 2004

IPOH: The prices of consumer goods, especially those locally sourced, have remained stable in the past month despite the higher cost of fuel.

Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk S. Veerasingam said the ministry had not detected any price increase for goods except for vegetables and certain imported items.

However he said that this was not related to the 5sen increase in fuel prices.

“The higher price of vegetables is mainly due to the rainy season and is only temporary.

“The increase of certain imported items is because of higher shipping costs,” he told reporters after opening a consumer seminar organised by the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP).

Veerasingam said the ministry would announce on Oct 27 the ceiling price for 15 essential items for the coming festive season.

He also said the ministry would be better able to monitor prices with the addition of 528 enforcement officers soon.

”We will also get help from the Price Watch Group, CAP and Fomca to carry out price checks during this festive season,” he said.