Centralised price system to boost transparency
Published on: Mon, Aug 04, 2025
By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Armizan said the effort aligns with the Government's long-term plan to stabilise the cost of living by tackling the root causes of inflation- not only through subsidies, but by increasing supply chain efficiency and accountability. PENAMPANG: The Government will develop a centralised Price and Supply Repository System to monitor price trends and prevent manipulative practices in the market, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. He said the system, to be introduced under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), will provide a transparent data platform to detect abnormal price movements and support enforcement action against profiteering and cartel-like behaviour. 'This is a proactive step toward ensuring fairer market practices and greater price transparency across the supply chain, especially for essential goods,' he told reporters after officiating the Seminar Kenegaraan Malaysia Madani: Rancakkan Madani Sabah at ITTC Penampang. According to Armizan, the repository system will consolidate real-time information on pricing, supply volumes, and distribution to assist both consumers and regulators in making informed decisions. 'Through this system, enforcement agencies will be able to act more swiftly and decisively using data-driven evidence. It's a game-changer in combating unethical manipulation and protecting consumer interests,' he said. He added that the system will be developed through inter-ministerial cooperation and partnerships with industry players, including suppliers, retailers, and logistics operators. Armizan said the effort aligns with the Government's long-term plan to stabilise the cost of living by tackling the root causes of inflation- not only through subsidies, but by increasing supply chain efficiency and accountability. 'The repository system is not just a database. It is a tool to break the monopoly of information held by certain parties who manipulate prices for profit,' he said. Enforcement under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and the Competition Act 2010 will also be strengthened using the data from the repository, which is expected to help uncover price-fixing activities, stock hoarding, and artificial shortages. Armizan emphasised that the initiative reflects the Madani Government's commitment to protecting consumers while creating s healthier market environment that encourages genuine competition. 'This is part of our wider agenda under 13RMP to raise the rakyat's purchasing power and build a resilient domestic economy,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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LAST Thursday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled in Parliament the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with RM611 bil earmarked to be spent from 2026 to 2030. What caught my eye was the heading of a Bernama report 'Malaysia tourism growth under 13MP with new investment zones'. Those who have attended the Travel and Tours Enhancement Course (TTEC), rolled out after I have conducted the Training-Of-Trainers in February 2022, may be able to recall that one of the six transformation strategies in the National Tourism Policy of 2020-2030 is to create 'Special Tourism Investment Zones'. Undoubtedly, the many grand master plans unveiled by the federal government over the years have always been world-class, but not so when it comes to implementation and execution. By the end of this year, six years would have elapsed in the 11-year National Tourism Policy. 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That year, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad spoke at the World Tourism Conference in Kuala Lumpur that the STIZ will focus on infrastructure and technology-based investments. The aim was to stimulate and develop new and alternative tourism areas and products. Since then, the STIZ has not progressed beyond vision and mission statements to pragmatic ideas and concrete actions. But the latest announcement has won praises from various tourism industry leaders, either afraid of offending the government or being left out in future dialogues. One of the most effective new ways to develop and promote international and domestic tourism is to set up one-stop centres in cities and major towns all over the country. These tourism centres are to assemble all the best local foods, goods and services under one roof, making each one a unique experience for visitors. They can be a massive shed using the ground floor only or multi-stories like shopping centres. 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STIZ should not be used to rebrand or hype up long existing products. ‒ Aug 4, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Bernama
