DECEMBER 15 — It can be a monthly routine for some, while others only obtain their supply every two to six months. Yet, every time consumers purchase gas, they get ripped-off by retailers.
This was the findings by Malay Mail last week after it was discovered many retailers were selling cooking gas above the ceiling rates.
While the government has set the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at RM1.90 per kg and a ceiling price of RM22.80 for a 12kg tank and RM26.60 for a 14kg tank, many unscrupulous traders are overcharging their customers.
Consumers claimed they are paying between RM29.50 to RM35 for a 14kg tank, inclusive of delivery charges.
A housewife related: “I was informed the market rate for a 14kg tank was RM29 and there is a 50 sen delivery charge imposed as I am living in a terrace house.”
Another retiree said: “The owner of the sundry shop where I get my supply from said she is purchasing a 14kg tank at RM32 and she only makes RM1 profit by selling it at RM33 per tank. There is an additional charge of RM2, for delivery, as I live in an
apartment.”
Call it ignorance, a blatant disregard for regulations or even lack of enforcement — the fact remains, consumers are being taken for a ride, and this has been going on for years.
Many had vent their frustration on social media upon learning about the matter.
On Malay Mail’s Facebook page Sally Low Chooi Wan said: “Pay RM32.50 for 14kg, delivered to house” while Haris Saad Lubis posted: “Baru saja beli gas RM30 hantar naik Tingkat 1.Town House,14 kg.” (Just paid RM30 for a 14kg tank to be delivered to my 1st floor town house).
It is evident, many are not aware there is a ceiling price for the sale of cooking gas in the country.
Even Federation of Malaysian Consumer Association (Fomca) secretary-general Datuk Paul Selvaraj said the prices of cooking gas should see a drop based on the current global oil and gas prices.
He said if goods directly linked to oil and gas see an increase, it proves the element of profiteering is present.
The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, had subsequently said retailers selling cooking gas above the ceiling price will see their licences revoked under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
The ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad also said there was a clear distinction between the prices of cooking gas per tank and delivery charges.
Those who buy them directly at shops must be charged based on the set prices and retailers cannot do as they please. He urged consumers to file complaints to the ministry if shops were selling the item above the regulated prices.
The onus now lies on us, consumers to speak up against retailers who charge excessively.
Are you willing to voice your concerns?
PJ One-way Loop causing distress
Speaking about concerns, the one-way traffic loop system in several parts of Petaling Jaya continues to receive criticism from motorists.
During a public hearing session with Petaling Jaya City Council at the PJ Civic Centre last week, many residents had given the thumbs down on the system which is in its second month of trial.
More than 150 residents who attended the hearing session had urged the council to revert to the previous system.
While the traffic flow in the area has certainly improved during peak hours, the same cannot be said for those living in the middle of the loop.
Some residents say they are now forced to use a longer route to get home.
Even food operators are against the new system saying business had dropped between 30 to 50 per cent.
A food stall trader in Section 12 said: “Our customers say they find it a hassle to stop by for lunch as they have to travel a little further to return to work.
“Our business has been affected. We do not want this system to be implemented, but what can we do if the local council say this is the best system.”
The lack of pedestrian crossings around the loop is also making it difficult for those who rely on public transport to reach their destination safely.
A long time PJ resident said walking around PJ is no longer fun following the new one-way loop system.
“I still prefer walking to visit my friends. But it is so difficult to cross the streets these days. I am afraid to cross them as there are no pedestrian crossings and traffic lights too no longer work.
“It can be stressful crossing the streets and I am worried I might get knocked down,” said the 62-year-old retiree, who wished to be known as Samantha.
It was also recently reported that a hotel employee had also died while crossing Jalan Utara following the implementation of the new traffic system.
The council is expected to decide if it plans to proceed with a second 18 month trial for the new traffic system soon.
The people have raised their views and it is hoped, the council will make the right decision.
While the council wants to ensure traffic is smooth, it cannot disregard the views of local residents and business operators.
The city council must make a right decision which will serve as a win-win situation for all quarters.
* Pearl is roving news editor of Malay Mail. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @pearllee22.
** This is the personal opinion of the columnist.
