25 Sept 2007

PUTRAJAYA: A blanket boycott on all market traders over rising prices of essential goods will adversely affect the economy, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said. �

Instead, Shafie, called on the public to look for alternatives or buy from traders who offer reasonable rates.�

Shafie, who clearly did not support the umbrella union bodies Cuepacs' and MTUC's call for the blanket boycott on market traders, said:�

�Be a smart consumer and look for cheaper alternatives.�

�There are markets and places where you can still buy goods at reasonable prices,� he said, adding that four to five enforcement officers would be deployed to all the main markets to check on unscrupulous traders who raised the prices of essential goods.�

�Consumers must exercise their right by comparing prices to avoid traders who hike prices. This will force them to lower their prices,� he told a press conference at his ministry here yesterday.�

Shafie said the ministry would take stern action against errant traders who sell price-controlled items above the ceiling prices.�

�Please give us the information and we will act,� said Shafie, who called on the public, including the union bodies to call the ministry�s hotline at 1-800-886-800 to report such traders.�

He said that between Sept 13 and 23, the ministry�s enforcement officers checked 130,374 premises and seized RM78,114 worth of goods and issued fines totalling RM37,850 to 230 traders, comprising wholesalers and retailers.�

On Sunday, MTUC and the civil servants umbrella union body Cuepacs launched a nationwide boycott campaign against rising prices of essential goods.�