Price hikes following targeted diesel subsidy will be probed without delay, says Armizan

PETALING JAYA: Claims that certain sectors had raised prices following the targeted diesel subsidy that began on Monday (June 10) will be probed immediately, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (pic).

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said there was serious concern over statements from various industry players about impending service price increases.

He added that to address these concerns, his ministry had launched Ops Kesan 2.0 on Saturday (June 8).

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“This operation will monitor and enforce compliance with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Regulations 2011 in response to any complaints lodged through designated platforms,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (June 11).

On the statements by some companies that went viral on Tuesday, Armizan said the investigation will focus on two main aspects.

“For sectors not included in the 33 types of public transport and goods covered under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS), such as vehicle towing services and the delivery of construction materials, the ministry will issue notices to the relevant parties.

“These notices, administered under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, are intended to prevent any unwarranted price adjustments that could involve profiteering,” he added.

Armizan said industrial sectors such as construction, which have never been eligible for subsidised diesel, will be scrutinised.

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“This will include looking into the possibility that these sectors might have illegally sourced subsidised diesel in the past,” he said.

Some screenshots of price increase notices by companies across various sectors also began circulating on social media on Tuesday.

A notice by several concrete suppliers read that the prices of products had increased with effect from Monday.

A notice by a building materials and hardware products supplier said its prices would increase by 25% from Monday as well.