Datuk Seri Hasan Malek says it is necessary to listen to traders' explanation over why their prices remain high despite lower fuel costs. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, February 4, 2015.Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister, Datuk Seri Hasan Malek is to meet with wholesalers next week to seek an explanation on the prices of goods which consumers want reduced following the drop in fuel prices.He said it was necessary to listen to their explanation because some of them had argued that the prices of goods were influenced not only by the prices of fuel but also other factors such as the rate of minimum wages and electricity tariff."However, we have an assurance from wholesalers that they will not raise the prices of goods. The prices of our goods are stable. The purchasing power is high. Supermarkets are crowded because of the high purchasing power," he said at a press conference on the programme "Business over Coffee - A Session with Franchisors and Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) 2015" in Putrajaya, today.Hasan said it was important to maintain a harmonious and peaceful business environment in the country."I wish to establish a very harmonious environment in the country in the context of the business sector - with happy traders and happy consumers," he said.The minister acknowledged that there had been calls by consumers for the prices of goods to be reduced following a drop in the prices of fuel and that they wanted to boycott traders reluctant to slash prices."It is the right of consumers to express themselves. Consumers say prices of goods went up when the prices of fuel rose. However, when the prices of fuel dropped, the prices of goods did not. So, consumers complained to me. It is their right," he said.Hasan said that as the minister responsible for the welfare of traders, he could not instruct the people to boycott traders who did not reduce the prices of their goods."I have to take care of the welfare of traders and hawkers. Do not undermine their business and profit. We have to be fair. During the floods (recently), it was the traders who came forth with donations," he said. – Bernama, February 4, 2015.
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