KPDN: Sarawak records zero violations at Ramadan bazaars amid monitoring

KUCHING (March 4): The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak has intensified monitoring at Ramadan bazaars statewide under Ops Pantau, which commenced on Feb 19 and continues until March 10.

KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said the operation focuses on ensuring traders comply with existing laws.

“As of yesterday, we have carried out 2,682 inspections across the state, involving 206 enforcement officers and 89 price monitoring officers deployed daily during Ramadan,” he said after visiting the Stutong Ramadan Bazaar here.

Sarawak has 41 Ramadan bazaars, including 17 in Kuching.

Despite national cases totalling 9,962, Sarawak has recorded zero cases involving Ramadan bazaars so far, compared to other states such as Pulau Pinang and Terengganu with two cases each, and Perak and Putrajaya with one each.

Matthew said KPDN has received 32 public complaints on pricing, supply, halal matters, and counterfeit goods.

“Out of these, 24 are related to price tags, four involve controlled goods, two concern halal matters, and two involve counterfeit goods.

“We track each complaint’s location for follow-up action,” he explained.

Common offences include failing to display price tags under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and using invalid or expired weighing and measuring instruments under the Weights and Measures Act 1972.

Matthew reminded traders not to manipulate equipment or hide prices.

He noted that most prices remain reasonable and that 11 traders at the Stutong Ramadan Bazaar participate in the RM5 Menu Rahmah programme.

“We thank these traders and will continue daily inspections while seeking public cooperation,” he said.