By Nurbaiti Hamdan and Mazwin Nik Anis

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Thousands of mini markets and selected sundry shops in suburban areas will be enlisted in the price reduction campaign, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad.

"Why are hypermarkets so popular with consumers? Because of their competitive pricing. Therefore, we will visit the mini markets and sundry shops to get them involved in the campaign," said Shahrir at a press conference after launching the campaign at Jusco Cheras Selatan yesterday.

Prices of more than 900 items in Jusco are now up to 30% cheaper in 20 Jusco stores and five Max Valu supermarkets nationwide. The items include milk powder, and fashion and personal care products.

Earlier in Putrajaya, Shahrir said there was a "high possibility" of consumers enjoying petrol at RM2 per litre by the end of the year.

This was because global crude oil prices were on the decline at around US$70 per barrel.

"If consumers are hoping for a 'Christmas' present where petrol is at RM2 per litre, I don't think it is too difficult to achieve," he told reporters at the Malaysian Business Ethics Excellence Award 2007 yesterday.

Asked if there would be another round of fuel price reduction to be announced on Friday, Shahrir said he did not want to pre-empt the Cabinet as it would discuss the issue.

"The Government will surely want to pass the benefit of lower fuel prices to the rakyat. There should not be any concern over this," he said.

At the function, Shahrir presented awards to winners of the Malaysian Business Ethics Excellence Award 2008.

Bukit Kiara Properties was named winner of the large companies category while Sarawak Economic Development Corporation and Pusat Tuisyen Sri Wirajaya won the medium and small companies categories respectively.