Do you think price ceiling imposed by the government is helpful? (price ceiling)

Due to the recent haze in Malaysia, we have seen price of mask have increased from normal price by a few times. So what is the price ceiling regulation for when there is no action taken to them after committing Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and the Supply Control Act 1961?

               

                                           

This act against the law has caused many people with the minimum income couldn't afford to get a face mask everyday for themself and they are getting sick because of inhaling hazardous gases. But for the moderate income earner, they are willing to buy at a higher price to avoid themselves from illness. Even with price over the price ceiling, some pharmacy stoers ran out of stock (shortage) (quantity demanded>quatity supplied). The authority should take legal action on this otherwise there is no effect on the price ceiling.

-The implementation of a price ceiling allows consumers to purchase the basic or essential items that were previously unaffordable at a higher price.

How to prevent this act of crime?

Consumers have to speak their voices out to the government.

In my opinion, government should take legal action and also give subsidy to the firms to reduce the factor of production.

References:

http://my.news.yahoo.com/stern-warning-against-hiking-price-masks-031606668.html

http://www.theposto.com/2013/?p=2854