THE government will carry out checks during the third phase of the movement control order to stop price hikes in the run-up to Ramadan, said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry  will start the checks on April 15.

“From April 15, the ministry will carry out a maximum price scheme to ensure that there will be no price hikes,” he said at his daily press conference today.

He also said there was enough food for the whole country.

“There is no need to panic because from the survey we have conducted, all products are enough and there is no shortage of goods,” Ismail assured.

Ismail the domestic trade ministry has received 8,145 public complaints since March 15 to April 11.

He urged the public to continue reporting to the ministry traders who hike price during the third phase of the MCO.

“The public can call, WhatsApp or send reports through the ministry’s website,” he added.

Last month, the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry said there is enough food in the country, including imported items throughout the MCO.

In a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the impact of the directive aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19, the ministry said imported food items, such as meat, milk, and certain types of fruits and vegetables, are being brought in on a consistent basis.

The public can buy fresh local produce from Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority markets at 17 operation centres nationwide.

The Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry advised farmers, breeders and fishermen who continue to work in this period to observe good hygiene, including minimising direct contact.

They must undergo health checks if they experience fever and cough, it said.

The MCO is set to continue until April 28, which will run into the first week of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which begins on April 24. – April 12, 2020.