KPDN to enforce Christmas 2025 Price Control Scheme from Dec 23 to 27

PAPAR (Dec 20): The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will implement the Christmas 2025 Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) from Dec 23 to Dec 27 to curb price hikes and ease the cost burden on consumers ahead of the festive season, said its minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

Speaking at a press conference here on Saturday, Armizan said the five-day scheme covers two days before Christmas Day, the day of the celebration itself, and two days after, involving 14 essential items that typically see high demand during the festive period.

“The rationale behind the festive season price control scheme is clear. Whenever a festive season approaches, demand for household necessities increases, particularly for family gatherings and celebrations. Without intervention, there is a risk of price movements in the market,” he said.

Under the scheme, the 14 controlled items are imported bone-in mutton; imported round cabbage (excluding Beijing cabbage) from Indonesia and China; carrots (China); tomatoes; red chillies; green capsicum; large red onions; large yellow onions; imported potatoes (China); chicken wings; live old chickens (Sarawak only); live pigs (farm only); pork belly; and pork meat and fat in Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

Armizan said the implementation period and the list of items were determined after considering current market conditions, including demand and supply, costs, weather and wage rates, as well as feedback from strategic partners such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), relevant government agencies and industry players.

“We want consumers to enjoy reasonable prices, while at the same time ensuring traders are not burdened by an overly long implementation period,” he said, adding that KPDN is working closely with KPKM to ensure a sufficient supply of controlled goods throughout the scheme.

The Christmas 2025 SHMMP will be enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. Maximum prices at the wholesale and retail levels can be checked on the KPDN website.

Armizan said KPDN enforcement officers nationwide will be deployed at strategic locations, such as public markets, farmers’ markets, and shopping centres, to monitor compliance.

“At the same time, enforcement will be carried out prudently through education, advice and warnings to ensure traders comply with the law and practise ethical business conduct,” he said.

He stressed that strict action will be taken against traders who violate the regulations. Individuals found selling controlled items above the maximum price face fines of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, while companies can be fined up to RM500,000. Failure to display pink price tags for controlled items can result in fines of up to RM10,000 for individuals and RM20,000 for companies.

Armizan also called on the public to assist enforcement efforts by lodging complaints via WhatsApp (019-848 8000), the KPDN call centre (1-800-886-800), the e-aduan portal, email or the Ez ADU KPDN mobile application.

In conjunction with Christmas, he said KPDN is also rolling out several cost-of-living initiatives, including the MADANI Rahmah Sales Programme (PJRM) for Christmas and the MADANI Compassionate Service Programme @ Petronas AutoExpert (SIM@PAX).

“The Christmas PJRM will run from Dec 18 to Dec 27, with 875 events nationwide, to ensure the public has access to essential festive items, especially food, at discounted prices,” he said, adding that discounts typically range from 10 to 30 per cent.

Appointments for vehicle servicing under SIM@PAX can be made via Petronas’ SETEL application, with 115 workshops nationwide participating from Dec 18 to Dec 27.

Armizan said the festive initiatives reflect the government’s consistent approach to safeguarding consumers during major celebrations, including National Day, Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri and Christmas.

“We hope these measures will help ease the additional costs faced by the people, particularly those celebrating Christmas, and ensure that the prices of essential food items remain stable and controlled,” he said.