SHAH ALAM, March 20 — The authorities have been urged to tighten monitoring of traders who raise the prices of goods on the grounds of higher transportation costs following the increase in fuel prices.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations' (FOMCA) chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah said that fuel price hikes often create opportunities for certain traders to take advantage by raising prices unreasonably.
He added that although fuel and logistics costs have increased, any price adjustment should be based on actual costs rather than being merely an excuse.
“Some of the cost may be passed on to consumers, but it must be reasonable and clearly justified. The government needs to intensify monitoring of the supply chain and cost structures so that consumers are not overburdened,” Saravanan said.
He emphasised that transparency in price-setting is important so that consumers understand the real reasons behind any increase.
Meanwhile, the Subang and Shah Alam Consumers Association's (CASSA) president Jacob George said that enforcement should be carried out in a balanced manner without adversely affecting traders.
“The approach should be more comprehensive, not limited to issuing fines or revoking licences, but instead seeking fair solutions for both parties,” he said.
Yesterday, the Finance Ministry announced that the price of RON97 has been set at RM4.55 per litre, up from RM3.85 previously, while diesel in Peninsular Malaysia has increased to RM4.72 per litre from RM3.92.
The new prices will take effect until Wednesday (March 25), following the rise in global oil prices due to the conflict in West Asia.
