KPDN steps up checks on controlled items during SHMMP

LocalPolitics
27 Mar 2025 • 12:53 PM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

Daily Express Online (Malaysia) is Sabah's top-ranked & most viewed English news site. It is also Sabah's leading & most circulated daily English newspaper.

image is not available

By: Lagatah Toyos, Winnie Kasmir

TAWAU: Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) enforcement officers will be deployed to strategic locations during the implementation of the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for Hari Raya Puasa 2025.

Tawau KPDN Chief Enforcement Officer Sam Aminudin said identified locations include public markets, farmers’ markets and supermarkets for inspection and enforcement operations.

This initiative aims to protect consumers from unethical traders during the 15-day SHMMP period, effective from March 24 to April 7.

Sam also urged public cooperation under the Kita Gempur mass movement campaign to report any violations of the scheme through WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, call centre at 1-800-886-800, email at [email protected] and Ez ADU KPDN smartphone application.

The SHMMP covers seven days before the festival day itself and seven days after Hari Raya.

A total of 23 price-controlled items have been listed in Sabah, namely meat and fish (imported buffalo meat, Demuduk, Sagai, Cermin or Cupak fish weighing between three to five fish per kilo, kembung/mabung fish weighing between eight to 12 fish per kilo and selayang fish weighing between eight to 12 fish per kilo).

Vegetables include imported round cabbage (excluding Beijing cabbage), mustard greens, cucumber, tomato, red chili, long beans, carrots, large yellow onions, large imported red onions, small Indian red onions (Ros) and garlic (China).

Other items include imported potatoes (China), old imported ginger, peanuts, dried curly chili, whole coconut, grated coconut and coconut milk.

The scheme is enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, with maximum wholesale and retail prices available on www.kpdn.gov.my.

Individual traders who fail to comply can face up to RM100,000 or compounds of RM50,000, while companies can face fines up to RM500,000 or compounds up to RM250,000.

Additionally, Sam reminded traders to display pink price tags for controlled items and warned that strict action would be taken against violators.

In SANDAKAN, KPDN enforced the 2025 Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme here during the same period.

Sandakan KPDN District Chief Enforcement Officer Azdy Zukkry John said the maximum price enforcement covers Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Beluran, Tongod and Telupid.

Traders are required to sell controlled-price items at or below the set maximum price.

“Retailers must display pink price tags on controlled-price items to distinguish them from other goods. Traders must also ensure adequate supply of goods in the market and use certified weighing and measuring equipment,” he said.