Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) will increase by 200, the number of enforcement personnel in areas where consumers congregate in order to create a safe and ethical business and shopping environment.
Its Director Georgie Abas reminded traders to continue to comply with regulations during Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri .
He advised consumers to plan their expenses and be knowledgeable about prices to avoid being manipulated by irresponsible traders.
Five compounds totaling RM2,200 for various offences were issued to 614 premises statewide during “Ops Pantau 2022”.
The inspections were on supply of goods, complaints of high prices, elements of profiteering, cheap sales, weighing instruments, the sale of counterfeit or pirated goods and the Scheme’s implementation such as Festive Season Maximum Price (SHMMP), halal, and adherence to Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 SOPs (Act 342).
He said “Ops Pantau 2022” would cover Ramadan Bazaars, eateries selling breaking fast food, in addition to traditional premises such as wet markets, farmers’ markets, night markets, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
According to Georgie, if there are numerous complaints against a premise or stall, KPDNHEP will investigate raw material prices from suppliers, manufacturing costs, operating costs and prices at the producer and wholesaler levels.
“If traders are found to be concealing controlled goods and profiting in violation of the Control of Supply Act 1961 and the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, appropriate action will be taken.
Users with information about trader misconduct should contact KPDNHEP via the following channels: WhatsApp at 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000, Complaints portal: e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my, Call Center 1- 800-886-800, email at [email protected], and mobileapps Ez ADU KPDNHEP.
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