Price and storage for abate should be consistently available for consumers: Fomca

PETALING JAYA: Mosquito larvicide (abate) should consistently be made available by suppliers for consumers.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said with reports of the Zika virus infection, it would be wise for pharmacies and hardware stores to ensure sufficient supply rather than wait for demand by their customers.
Checks by theSun today showed some pharmacies in the Klang Valley either do not sell abate or have run out of stock.
A pharmacist, who declined to be named, said there might be a possibility that their supplier might hike up the selling price due to demand.
"It's a fast-selling item due to the situation (on Zika and dengue) now. The supplier might raise the price," he said.
Abate is sold in packets of 100gm between RM9.40 and RM13.50 at pharmacies and hardware stores.
Commenting on the matter, Mohd Yusof said that the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry should look for suppliers who sell abate at high prices driven by consumers' demand, he said.
"This move would not only deter the suppliers from such an act, but also ensure there's quality control," he said.
"However, consumers can still inquire from the health department in their respective states to check if abate is available which is free," he said.