KPDN Sarawak inspects 15,700 premises, seizes RM887,867 in goods ahead of Chinese New Year

SIBU (Feb 13): Between Jan 1 and Feb 10, 2026, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak inspected 15,700 premises statewide, resulting in 308 cases involving various offences under price control and trade laws.

Goods worth RM887,867.24 were seized during the operations, while compounds issued totalled RM67,700.

Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said the ministry will continue tightening enforcement through the Skim Harga Maksimum Musim Perayaan (SHMMP) for Chinese New Year 2026, which takes effect from Feb 13 to 21.

A total of 16 essential items have been gazetted under the controlled-price list for the festive period, including white pomfret, garlic, onions, red chilli, Japanese mustard greens, imported cabbage, carrots, potatoes from China, old ginger, chicken wings and several pork cuts.

All controlled items must carry pink price tags.

On Friday morning, Matthew led enforcement officers on a walkabout at Farley Supermarket Sibu, where officers checked pricing, supply availability and tag compliance.

He said 207 enforcement officers and 101 price monitoring officers have been mobilised statewide for the nine-day operation.

“Our officers are constantly on the ground. We do not wait for complaints, but we encourage consumers to report any suspected misconduct,” he said.

Matthew reminded traders that individuals selling above the maximum price may face fines of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, while companies could be fined up to RM500,000.

Failure to display pink price tags also carries penalties of up to RM10,000 for individuals and RM20,000 for companies.

He added that the SHMMP aims to create a fair and ethical shopping environment during the festive season. Consumers may lodge complaints via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, email at [email protected], the call centre at 1-800-886-800, or through the EzAdu KPDN mobile app.

Among those present were Councillor Jenny Ting Hua Hung, representing Michael Tiang Ming Tee and KPDN Sarawak chief enforcement officer Mohamad Khairi Jamaludin.