KLANG: Their worst nightmare is about to be unleashed on errant traders at wet markets and hypermarkets -- housewives and university students working undercover for the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

Overcharging is more likely to appear on the "radar" of housewives and university students who usually work on a shoestring budget.

As such, for the Ramadan period, the ministry has enlisted 2,000 housewives and university students nationwide on an annual contract with a montly allowance of RM1,500.

Ministry director-general (Enforce-ment) Mohd Roslan Mahayudin said housewives and students were ideal as the ministry's eyes and ears to identify traders looking to make quick profits during the festive season.

The "undercover agents" who responded to an advertisement in a local newspaper were chosen after extensive interviews in March, he said.

Housewives and students are more conscious of prices because most of them visit markets or hypermarkets at least twice a week.

From now until Oct 8, they will take note of prices while doing their marketing and report if there are any irregularities, he said, adding that under the price control scheme 17 items have a ceiling price.

"For example, a kilo of red chillies is priced at RM10 and if they sell it for more, we will issue a maximum fine of RM7,500 per offence," he said.

Earlier, Roslan conducted a check on prices of fresh produce and sundry items at the Meru wet market here together with an enforcement team of 30.

He was satisfied that traders had complied with the price ruling and commented that some even sold their items below the ceiling price.

"We also have a booth at the Meru wet market for consumers to lodge complaints if they feel items are priced unfairly.

"Our aim is to protect consumers. We also urge consumers to compare prices with hypermarkets before buying," he said.