Pork among 12 controlled items reflects Sarawak’s inclusivity under Gawai price control scheme

Dr Sim (fourth left), Matthew (fifth left) and others photographed during the unveiling of SHMPP for Gawai Dayak 2026 at Emart Tabuan Jaya, Kuching on May 29, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 29: The inclusion of pork among 12 controlled items under the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for Gawai Dayak 2026 reflects Sarawak’s inclusivity and sensitivity towards the needs of its diverse communities, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said the selection of controlled items showed that festive price control measures in Sarawak take into account cultural and religious needs.

“For this occasion, we got pork as one of the controlled items, so it reflects that in Sarawak, we are really inclusive,” he said after a walkabout at Emart Tabuan Jaya today to monitor the implementation of the scheme.

He added that similar considerations are applied during other festive seasons, such as beef being included under price control during Hari Raya celebrations.

Dr Sim also praised the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak for its flexibility and sensitivity in managing essential goods amid rising global prices.

The 12 items, gazetted under the SHMMP Gawai 2026, include live old chicken, chicken wings, imported buffalo meat (India), garlic (China), round cabbage (Indonesia or China, excluding Beijing cabbage), dried chilli, coconut, grated coconut, coconut milk, pork belly, pork (fat and meat), and live pigs.

Meanwhile, KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said the SHMMP Gawai Dayak 2026 will run for nine days, covering five days before the festival, one day during, and three days after.

The scheme is enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (AKHAP 2011), with 207 enforcement officers and 101 price monitoring officers deployed Statewide.

“From January 1 to May 27, 2026, a total of 61,257 premises were inspected Statewide, resulting in 965 cases recorded involving RM12.48 million in seizures and RM228,400 in compounds.

“In the same period, 547 cases were recorded under AKHAP 2011,” he stated.

Members of the public can lodge complaints via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, email at [email protected], hotline 1-800-886-800, or the Ez ADU KPDN mobile application. — DayakDaily