MIRI, Sept 20: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has received word that some suppliers are scheming to increase wholesale prices next month.
In revealing this, Sarawak KPDNHEP deputy director Mohamad Nawawi Abdul Rahman advised these suppliers not to manipulate the prices of goods.
“We were told that this coming October, some suppliers are planning to increase prices at the wholesale stage. We (KPDNHEP) sees this as an ‘attack act’ on the implementation of SST,” he told reporters after leading several of his men to inspect E-Mart Riam here this morning.
The inspection was to check on the operators’ compliance with the Sales and Services Tax (SST), which came into effect on Sept 1 to replace the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Narawi cautioned that stern action would be taken against errant businesses and traders who refused to comply with the law and regulations.
“We are monitoring the prices of goods to ensure traders do not simply increase prices during the implementation of the SST,” he said, hoping that frequent inspections would deter traders from taking advantage of consumers.
Meanwhile, the ministry’s Miri office has issued nine notices under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 since the implementation of the SST.
In addition, 80 premises in Miri Division have so far been inspected until yesterday (Sept 19).
“The public can file their complaints through the KPDNHEP hotline at 019-2794317 or 1-800-866-800,” said Narawi.
Asked about fake alcohol, Nawawi replied, “So far, we have not received any complaints on this matter.”
Two days ago, 19 men reportedly died while 14 others were warded in critical conditions due to suspected alcohol poisoning in the Klang Valley in Selangor. — DayakDaily
