Traders who are not affected by the recent increase in Sales and Service Tax (SST) have been cautioned against exploiting the situation by raising prices to earn additional profits. Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh stressed that such actions are irresponsible and could lead to penalties if they are found guilty of price manipulation.
The SST increase primarily impacts four categories: hospitality, health and well-being, training and teaching centers, and laundry services with a threshold value exceeding RM500,000. Fuziah emphasized that traders outside these categories, including those in the food and beverage sector, should not take advantage of the situation by increasing prices. She reiterated that the ministry would enforce the law to prevent such practices.
Speaking after a walkabout at the Pahang Rahmah Madani Sales Carnival in Dataran Anjung Pusat Bandar Jengka, Fuziah expressed hope that the public would stay informed about SST-related matters. She encouraged consumers to report any unjustified price hikes they encounter. Complaints can be lodged through various channels, including WhatsApp at 019-848 000, the EZ Aduan KPDN app, the ministry hotline at 1-800 88 800, or the ministry's E-Aduan portal at eaduan.kpdn.gov.my.
Since the launch of Ops Kesan on March 1, the ministry has conducted over 1,000 inspections nationwide, resulting in 26 notices issued to traders found to be violating regulations.
In Kelantan, state ministry director Azman Ismail stated that action would be taken against traders, including those in Ramadan bazaars, if there is evidence of profiteering. While food vendors in Ramadan bazaars are not directly affected by the SST increase from 6% to 8%, monitoring is still being carried out to prevent price manipulation.
Azman highlighted that under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, traders are not allowed to make a profit of more than 50% of the cost. He warned that traders found arbitrarily raising prices would face legal action under the Act.
Reference: SST hike: Don't raise prices arbitrarily, deputy minister warns traders | The Star
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