Another show?

RM22,500 fine for selling Milo at RM1.80

An episode at every turn: when there is a pay rise, when there is an increase in prices of foodstuff, utilities etc., around the festive seasons, and so on and so forth. SO predictable...but they must (put on a) show the public that they mean business.

But this must be taking thuggery to new levels. OK, The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs are well within their rights to slap fines on businesses as they see fit, (probably) confiscate merchandise but tearing down signboards? And I wonder where the confiscated foodstuff goes to? Yeah, probably to the lucky officers' pantries and kitchens...

There is something called supply-and-demand, which is probably an unfamiliar term in this country due to the manifold subsidies and monopolies. Basically when there are choices, people will naturally go to a cheaper alternative. It's an economic check-and-balance in the business world. Now I really wonder whether there is an ulterior motive in all this (read now laid-low Dr. Z's satay competitor - literally bulldozed), i.e. abuse of power... There is no reason to be overly excited with slapping fines on petty shopowners when the larger fish escapes (read steel producers, for example); or is this just another sandiwara for the masses?

Let's see what is the next episode in this series, but I won't hold my breath...