SANDAKAN: Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong reported a case of inflated prices at Batu 8 Market and Kim Fung Market to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPHNHEP).
He said the report was lodged following a complaint from locals claiming that the prices of items sold at the markets were hiked up throughout the Movement Control Order (MCO).
“Among the raw ingredients include papayas (RM6 per kg, pineapples (RM6 per kg), tomatoes (RM12 per kg) and avocados at RM23 per kg.
“Other than these, onions and garlic prices have also went up.
“There is no doubt that traders need profit but there is no need to increase the price too high to the point that it affects the purchasing power of the locals, especially poor families,” he said.
He added that every person should be given access to nutritious food such as fruits and vegetables, and the prices of such foods should not be simply be increased.
Calvin hoped that KPDHNHEP will monitor the prices that traders have set in the market and to take appropriate action by setting price standards for controlled and non-controlled goods so that this issue can be resolved effectively for the good of all.
Meanwhile, monitoring by the authorities headed by District Police Chief, ACP Mohd Azhar Hamin and Deputy Supt Abdul Fuad Abdul Malek found the situation calm and under control at the general market area, here, Sunday.
Azhar said he was satisfied the public were abiding with the instructions, including social distancing, limiting the number of visitors and body temperature checks at the market during the MCO.
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