Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sabah has issued RM531,550 in compounds and seized RM29.26 million worth of goods from 1,438 cases following inspections on 118,247 premises statewide since the start of the year.
Sabah KPDN Director Shahril Nizam Shahidin said enforcement activities have been intensified in conjunction with the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for Deepavali 2025, which is being implemented from October 16 to 22 throughout Sabah.
“A walkabout inspection to mark the launch of the scheme was conducted at CKS Supermarket, Menggatal Plaza, led by Pulnama Tarah, Head of the Operations Sector, together with enforcement officers from KPDN Sabah.
“The SHMMP Deepavali 2025 runs for seven days. Four days before the festival, one day during, and two days after, to ensure price stability and sufficient supply of essential goods,” he said.
According to Shahril, a total of nine essential items are gazetted under the scheme: imported mutton, tomato, red chilli, whole coconut (wholesale level only), grated coconut (retail level only), small Indian shallots, small Indian shallots (Ros), large imported onions, and Australian dhal.
“The scheme is enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (AKHAP), empowering the ministry to regulate prices at both wholesale and retail levels. The public may refer to the official price list on the KPDN website at www.kpdn.gov.my.
“The implementation of SHMMP is part of the government’s continued effort to stabilise prices and ensure sufficient supply, especially during high-demand festive seasons, so that Malaysians of all backgrounds can celebrate Deepavali in harmony,” he said.
KPDN Sabah has deployed 204 enforcement officers and 72 price monitoring officers across key locations statewide, including public markets, farmers’ markets, and shopping centres, to monitor supply availability and compliance.
Shahril also reminded traders that stern action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the regulations.
“Individuals found selling controlled items above the set maximum price can be fined up to RM100,000, jailed up to three years, or both, while companies may face fines of up to RM500,000.
“Traders who fail to display the pink price tags for controlled goods may also be fined up to RM10,000 for individuals and RM20,000 for companies,” he said.
Shahril urged consumers to report any misconduct or overpricing through the following official channels: WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the e-Aduan portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my, Call Centre 1-800-886-800, or via the Ez ADU KPDN mobile application.