Consumer associations have urged authorities to tighten enforcement against profiteering and hoarding of essential goods during the rollout of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme. The call comes amid concerns that increased demand may trigger price hikes or create artificial shortages.

Fomca Urges Close Monitoring

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) CEO T. Saravanan said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry must strictly monitor retailers and wholesalers.

He noted that financial aid distribution often leads families to stock up on necessities, creating opportunities for unethical traders to raise prices. According to him, swift investigations and firm action are necessary to protect consumers and ensure public confidence in government oversight.

Retailers Reminded to Act Responsibly

Malaysia Consumers Movement deputy president Beninder Singh also appealed to retailers to avoid exploiting the situation. He said consumers should report unusual price increases or unethical practices directly to the ministry’s enforcement team, which already has sufficient legal powers to act.

He added that shoppers should compare prices before making purchases and avoid panic buying, pointing out that the RM100 SARA allocation can be used until the end of the year.

No Specific Complaints Yet, but Caution Remains

Both Fomca and the Malaysia Consumers Movement confirmed they had not yet received formal complaints of profiteering linked to the SARA programme. However, they remain alert to the potential for certain retailers to take advantage of the situation and continue to encourage consumers to lodge reports if problems occur.

Farmers Warn Against Hoarding

Putrajaya National Farmers’ Organisation chairman Datuk Ghazali Hassan said local farmers and producers are generally able to meet demand. However, he warned that hoarding or manipulation of supply by irresponsible parties could distort the market and cause shortages.

He also highlighted that Malaysia’s domestic production of rice and eggs remains insufficient to fully meet national demand, raising the risk of sudden price spikes and rationing if supply is disrupted. Ghazali urged enforcement agencies to intensify preventive measures to ensure essential goods remain available to the public.

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• TAGS:
• Artificial Shortages
• Consumer Groups
• Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations
• Malaysia Consumers Movement
• Price Hikes
• Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA)