PETALING JAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has issued a total of 61 notices to traders and companies across Pahang, Johor, and Melaka during Ops Kesan 2.0.
In Pahang, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry issued 16 notices to traders registered under the Diesel Subsidy Control System (SKDS) during Ops Kesan 2.0, which began on June 10.
Pahang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Jezlily Jamaluddin said the Goods Information Verification Notice (NPMB) was issued following inspections of 56 business companies under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Jezlily said Pahang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry received four complaints related to price increases in goods and services, and after investigation, the companies involved were given notices to submit more information regarding these increases.
The Pahang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has mobilised 166 enforcement officers and 75 price monitoring officers to inspect the supply and prices of consumer goods throughout the state ahead of Hari Raya Aidiladha. A total of 3,448 premises were inspected, including wholesalers, retailers, wet markets, farmers' markets, and supermarkets. From these inspections, 33 cases were investigated under the act.
In Melaka, three transport companies that failed to provide a reasonable explanation for their service price increases during Ops Kesan 2.0 will be charged in court next week.
Melaka Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Norena Jaafar said written notices under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 were issued to the three companies, but they failed to respond within the stipulated time frame.
Norena added that Melaka Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry would continue inspections on SKDS beneficiaries throughout the state to curb unreasonable price increases. Daily inspections involve five teams comprising 17 enforcement officers.
In Johor, the enforcement division issued written notices to 22 companies through Ops Kesan 2.0, which began on June 8.
Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said 20 notices were issued to companies under the SKDS, while the other two were issued to companies not registered under the SKDS.
One company runs a vehicle towing service, and the other is a transport service company.
The companies were required to submit documents and justification for the increase in their service charges.
Strict action would be taken against those found manipulating prices and service charges. Under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, errant companies can be fined up to RM500,000 while individuals can be fined a maximum of RM100,000, face up to three years’ jail, or both.
Meanwhile, Lilis Saslinda advised traders to comply with regulations on the display of price tags to avoid action.
