KUALA LUMPUR – The number of complaints received by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry doubled from 2022 to 2023, according to deputy minister Fuziah Salleh.
The highest volume of complaints was in 2023, at 43,247, around twice the number of complaints received in 2022 at 29,265.
Fuziah said the increase was due to the government’s efforts to make complaints platforms more customer friendly. For the ministry, these include, among others, via QR code, WhatsApp, online e-complaints, a call centre, and the Easyadu App.
“The ministry has also conducted various efforts and advocacy to make the complaint system more customer-friendly, thus the increase in the number of complaints received. People find it easier to channel their complaints to the ministry,” she told the Dewan Rakyat during the Minister’s Question Time today.
Answering Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (Tampin-BN), who asked for a breakdown of the nature of complaints, Fuziah said they were on higher prices, supply shortages and confusing or misleading advertisements.
Comparing figures from last year to the first two months of this year, Fuziah said there were 8,410 complaints on the rise in prices last year, and 1,624 complaints on the same matter this year as of February 29.
With the Muslim fasting month approaching, Fuziah also said the ministry is conducting the Bazaar Ramadan Rahmah programme in 60 bazaars, which targets 40% of sellers to offer Rahmah menus at RM5 per dish.
“The government will also provide a RM50 incentive to sellers who offer Rahmah menus, as well as RM20 e-wallet (vouchers) for bazaar visitors. A total of 2,000 e-wallet (vouchers) will be offered at each (of the 60) bazaars,” she said.
The ministry will also conduct Ops Pantau beginning March 12 in all bazaars nationwide to ensure that hawkers do not take advantage by selling food at unreasonably prices. – March 7, 2024