KPDN: Over RM22 mln in seizures in S’wak this year

KUCHING (Oct 28): A total of 746 cases involving an estimated seizure of over RM22 million has been recorded in Sarawak so far this year under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.

In revealing this, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said these cases were detected following inspections on 67,550 premises from Jan 1 to Oct 27, of which compounds totalling RM228,700 were issued to the offenders.

“Most of the cases involved failure to display pink-coloured price tags for price-controlled items.

“Other offences included selling controlled-priced items above the maximum price,” he said at a press conference following the launch of the state-level Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for Deepavali 2024, held at a supermarket here today.

Matthew said KPDN has mobilised 214 enforcement officers and 97 price monitoring officers in strategic locations throughout the state to monitor compliance, as well as to conduct inspections in public markets, wet markets and supermarkets.

He explained that the monitoring, which is also carried out to follow up on consumer complaints, is meant to ensure that any non-compliance by traders can be acted upon in accordance with the legal provisions.

“KPDN Sarawak will increase the omnipresence of law enforcement officers and price monitoring officers in locations frequented by consumers so as to create a safe and ethical business and shopping environment,” he added.

He also said that the public can channel their complaints by sending their report through WhatsApp on 019-848 8000, call centre on 1-800-886-800, email via [email protected], or through the Ez ADU KPDN mobile app.

Regarding the SHMMP for Deepavali 2024, he said that it is enforced for seven days from yesterday until Nov 3, involving eight items including tomatoes, red chilies, whole coconut (maximum price applicable at the wholesale level only) and grated coconut (maximum price applicable at the retail level only).

Other listed items are dhal (Australia), imported large red onions, small red onions and rose onions (from India), as well as imported bone-in mutton.

“SHMMP Deepavali 2024 will be enforced through the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. The maximum prices set for SHMMP Deepavali 2024 at the wholesale and retail level can be checked through our website at www.kpdn.gov.my,” he added.

On a related matter, Matthew said the SHMMP is enforced every major festive season in Sarawak.

“We have enforced it during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Gawai Dayak and now Deepavali. Next, it will be enforced for Christmas in December,” he said.