The role of Price Monitoring Officers (PPH) from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is crucial to help consumers plan their spending wisely and prudently in supermarkets and wet markets, albeit it is an unenviable task.
Kelantan KPDN director Azman Ismail said that, in general, price monitoring is done every day before being recorded and displayed on the Price Catcher application, enabling users to compare prices during shopping activities.
“Through PPH instructions on how to use the Price Catcher app, users will be able to compare prices of one supermarket or wet market with another, thus making consumers better informed,” he told Bernama.
According to Azman, all PPH personnel have to visit supermarkets, wet markets and shops to monitor the prices of goods, especially controlled items like sugar and flour, and send them through the Price Catcher system before noon.
He added that there is a total of 86 PPH in the state responsible for helping consumers in the five districts of Kota Bharu, Gua Musang, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah and Kuala Krai.
“PPH are KPDN support staff appointed on a contract basis in Grade 41 starting in 2008. Their presence has become a valuable resource for consumers to obtain data before making price comparisons,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kelantan PPH head Mohd Shaiful Hafiz Mat Sidik said all PPH in the state are responsible for monitoring 149 premises, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, wet markets and grocery stores.
He said the task of PPH is not only focused on one district but on other districts as well.
“Based on my own experience, the job as PPH is indeed challenging because sometimes we find it difficult to get cooperation from traders, especially in terms of putting a price tag on goods,” said Shaiful, who has been serving as a PPH since 2015.
He also said that the attitude of these obstinate traders needs to change because it is an incumbrance to consumers, even though PPH are making every effort to ensure compliance with the directive issued.
Another PPH, Enafira Ibrahim, said the difficulty in getting the cooperation of traders peaks during festive seasons as they may not be satisfied with the price scheme set by the government.
“There are some traders who still refuse to put a price tag and possibly try to seek excessive profits. When we explain the penalties that can be issued, only then they will comply,” she said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency