Price Catcher app helps Penang shoppers find deals

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is encouraging consumers to utilise the “Price Catcher” app to compare prices and find better deals on groceries.

With the Price Catcher app, you can get prices for 480 selected items at wet markets, hypermarkets, supermarkets, mini markets, and convenience stores that are monitored.

Price Catcher app empowers consumers

KPDN Penang Director Jegan Subramaniam emphasised the benefits of the app: “Price Catcher displays information on over 400 essential goods, updated daily, weekly, and monthly by KPDN Price Monitoring Officers.

This empowers consumers to compare prices across different retailers and plan their shopping strategically.”

Jegan stressed the importance of informed consumers: “Empowering consumers is the best preventive measure against price manipulation.”

KPDN employs a two-pronged approach:

• Price Alert: A system developed by KPDN’s National Goods Pricing Division to track price fluctuations at individual stores.
• Daily Monitoring: KPDN Price Monitoring Officers conduct daily price surveys at 41 public markets and 32 supermarkets across Penang’s five districts, focusing on 41 types of vegetables.

Response to PHA’s concerns on tomato prices

KPDN addressed concerns raised by the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) regarding price discrepancies for tomatoes.

While tomatoes were subject to price controls during the recent Aidilfitri period, the controls expired on April 19th, 2024.

Jegan clarified: “Price monitoring reports show a stable market situation as of April 3rd. Current prices reflect market trends.

Hypermarkets, with their bulk purchasing capabilities, may offer lower prices compared to retailers with smaller inventories.”

KPDN reminded traders to adhere to regulations:

• Clearly display accurate and non-misleading prices with proper measurement units.
• Utilise certified weighing and measuring instruments.
• Maintain sufficient stock of controlled-price goods.

“KPDN will take legal action against those attempting to exploit the market through excessive profiteering,” stated Jegan, citing relevant legislation such as the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and the Consumer Protection Act 1999.

On April 2nd, the PHA reported significant price variations for tomatoes across six Penang outlets.

The price difference between the most affordable retailer (Jayam Spice Mart, RM1.40 per kg) and wet markets (ranging from RM3.50 to RM5 per kg) was substantial.

The PHA urged consumers to be price-conscious and report suspected price gouging to KPDN.

They also highlighted the potential negative impact on vulnerable groups like the B40s (bottom 40% income earners) due to unethical pricing practices.

By actively promoting the Price Catcher app, conducting regular price monitoring, and enforcing regulations,

KPDN aims to empower consumers and ensure fair pricing for essential goods in Penang. Consumers are also encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspected price manipulation to the authorities.