Its president, Nordin Thani, said the mechanism was necessary considering the difference in the prices of basic goods, especially those that are not subsidised.

“In the current uncertain economic situation, it would be good if the government further expanded the standardisation of prices to non-subsidised products.

“We also need discussions with selected food manufacturers so that they will not lose money in the process,” he told Bernama.

Nordin said that in addition to basic items such as canned food, drinks such as coffee and tea, food flavourings, and the prices of computer accessories and parts also need to be controlled.

“There are still residents, especially in rural areas, who cannot buy subsidised goods because transport costs negate the subsidy.

“I hope that retail outlets in rural areas are given subsidies so that consumers can buy goods at the same price as those in the city,” he said.

Nordin said some grocery stores had to pay between RM400 and RM500 extra in transport costs.

Consumers Affair and Protection Society of Sabah (CAPS) deputy president A Nagaraju said the price of a packet of instant noodles in Lahad Datu is about RM6.70, but in Tawau, it is RM5, because of transport costs.

“Why is there a price difference for the same item? We have to standardise the price at district level first. The whole of Sabah must be only one price,” he said.