Bread a controlled item in Malaysia

Bread a controlled item in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia said yesterday it was making
bread a controlled item from next week in a bid to regulate price
hikes as the government stepped up a nation-wide exercise to
control inflation.

From Monday, the essential commodity is to be grouped with
nine categories of scheduled goods and services used to monitor
the expenditure pattern of an average household in order
calculate the consumer price index (CPI), the national inflation
barometer.

"The measure is to prevent indiscriminate price hikes and
ensure bread supply is adequate and easily obtainable at all
times," Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Abu Hassan
Omar said.

Bakers who produce bread weighing 200 grams and one kilo must
have a license, obtainable at an annual fee of 50 ringgit
(US$20), before Aug. 30. Any price hikes must be approved by the
government.