SIBU: Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu branch has called for the Gawai Dayak Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) to be implemented statewide.
It also urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to immediately publish the full list of controlled prices.
According to a press statement, the scheme, enforced from May 27 to Jun 4, covers 12 essential Gawai items including chicken, pork, imported buffalo meat, garlic, cabbage, dried chillies and coconut-based products.
SDNU Sibu chairman Chambai Lindong welcomed the move, saying it would help curb unreasonable price hikes during the festive season.
“This timely intervention by KPDN Sibu helps ensure families can celebrate Gawai Dayak without undue financial burden,” he said, while commending KPDN Sibu chief Roslee Maslie and his enforcement team.
However, Chambai noted that the maximum prices for the controlled items were not disclosed in the announcement.
“For the scheme to be effective, the public must know the exact price ceilings,” he said, urging KPDN to publicise the prices through media platforms and at markets and supermarkets.
He stressed that the scheme should not be limited to Sibu alone as Gawai Dayak is celebrated throughout Sarawak.
“We call on KPDN to extend and enforce the scheme uniformly across Sarawak to ensure fairness for all,” he added.
Chambai also urged traders to comply with the regulations and display pink price tags clearly, while calling for strict action against profiteering.
Meanwhile, consumers were encouraged to report violations through the EzADU app, KPDN’s e-aduan portal or directly to the KPDN Sibu office.
