Penang sets up price-monitoring committee - NST

PENANG, Sat.: May 10, 2008

The Penang state government will set up a consumer monitoring committee which will be responsible for monitoring prices and protecting the interests of the public, especially the low-income group.

Chairman of the state committee on domestic trade and consumer affairs, Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, said the monitoring committee would also serve as the “eyes and ears” of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.

“The committee will identify consumers’ problems, abuse of power and price hikes and pass on the information to the ministry,” Abdul Malik told reporters after checking prices at the Chowrasta Market and the Tesco supermarket here today.

He said similar committees will also be set up in each state constituency to be headed by its respective elected representative.

“Monitoring of prices will be done at markets, sundry shops, supermarkets and hypermarkets in towns and rural areas in the state,” Abdul Malik said.

He said to strengthen the committee, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations adviser Datuk Dr Hamdan Adnan and Consumers Association of Penang adviser SM Mohamed Idris, have been invited to be advisers.

“We are still waiting for their replies and we hope for a positive response so the committee can be set up soon,” he said.

Abdul Malik urged consumers to use their influence as consumers to control the continuous rise in prices.