GEORGE TOWN: The domestic trade and cost of living ministry (KPDN) has assured consumers that prices of essential goods in Penang remain stable, dismissing reports of sharp price hikes ahead of Thaipusam and Chinese New Year.
State KPDN director S Jegan said the ministry monitors the prices of 41 types of vegetables, including those reportedly subject to increases, through its “price catcher” initiative across 45 public markets, 13 hypermarkets, and 18 supermarkets.
“Analysis shows that most items – such as tomatoes, ginger, lady’s fingers, cauliflower, long beans, cabbage, and carrots – have only minor changes and remain within a reasonable price range. In fact, prices of certain items have dropped compared to the previous month,” he said in a statement.