By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 26: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak has recorded 499 cases of price control violations, leading to seizures worth RM3.38 million and fines totalling RM83,000 as of March 24 this year.
To prevent price manipulation and protect consumers during the festive season, KPDN has enforced price caps on 22 essential goods across Sarawak for 15 days—covering seven days before Hari Raya, the celebration day itself, and seven days after.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department and Samariang assemblywoman Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, along with KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin, conducted a walkabout at Everwin Samariang to monitor compliance among traders today.
According to a media release today, the price-controlled goods, which include staples such as meat, vegetables, and cooking essentials, aim to ensure affordability for all Sarawakians preparing for the festival.
The list of controlled items includes imported beef; Mackerel (ikan kembung) including Mambung fish (8–12 fish per kg), ikan selayang (8–12 fish per kg), imported round cabbage (excluding Beijing cabbage from Indonesia and China), sawi hijau, cucumber, tomato, red chili, long beans, carrot, large yellow onion, large imported red onion, small Indian red onion, small Indian red onion (ROS variety), garlic (China), imported potato (China), aged imported ginger, peanuts, dried curly chili, whole coconut, grated coconut, and coconut milk.
Mattew emphasised that the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 mandates strict enforcement at both wholesale and retail levels, and consumers can check gazetted prices at www.kpdn.gov.my.
“To ensure compliance, KPDN Sarawak has deployed 188 enforcement officers and 92 price monitoring officers across public markets, farmers’ markets, and shopping malls statewide, to monitor supply levels and investigate complaints,” he said.
He warned that traders caught selling controlled items above the maximum price could face fines up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or compounds up to RM50,000 for individuals, while companies could be fined up to RM500,000 or compounds up to RM250,000.
“Failure to display pink price tags for controlled goods carries a fine of up to RM10,000 for individuals and RM20,000 for companies,” he added.
KPDN encouraged consumers to report any violations via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000 or email to e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my or contact its Call Centre at 1-800-886-800 or Ez ADU KPDN mobile app.
With strict enforcement and public cooperation, the government aims to create a fair and stable market environment for all Sarawakians celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri. — DayakDaily
