KUANTAN: With tourist numbers rising sharply during the school holidays, the Pahang government has warned traders at popular tourist destinations not to exploit the situation by increasing prices or cheating customers through inaccurate measurements.
State Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Sim Chon Siang expressed concern over a complaint involving a trader in Cameron Highlands, where a customer claimed to have paid for one kilogram of strawberries but received just 700 grams.
“This is a serious matter that we are now investigating, and the Menteri Besar is paying close attention to it,” he said after the Skim Harga Maksimum Musim Perayaan (SHMMP) friendly inspection programme today.
Cameron Highlands, one of Malaysia’s top holiday destinations, has long been associated with fresh produce such as strawberries and vegetables. However, Sim warned that misconduct by irresponsible traders could tarnish the image of the state’s tourism sector.
He said earlier reports from visitors alleging cheating by some strawberry traders reflected the need for continuous monitoring by enforcement authorities.
During today’s inspections, Sim and enforcement officers also checked several supermarkets in Kuantan, where three measurement-related violations were identified.
He urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Pahang to take uncompromising action, insisting that consumer rights must be protected and honest traders should not be affected by the actions of a few.
Sim also encouraged consumers to check pricing and weight carefully and to file official complaints if they encounter dishonest practices.
He stressed that maintaining trust in Pahang’s tourism destinations requires responsible business conduct and effective enforcement to ensure visitors feel confident and protected.