JOHOR BARU: The Johor branch of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has conducted more than 40,000 checks statewide since January following public complaints, says its director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo.
She said goods worth more than RM19mil were seized as of July 14.
“Between Jan 1 and July 14, we conducted a total of 41,644 checks and recorded 507 cases involving various offences.
“The value of goods that have been seized stands at RM19.31mil,” she told a press conference after attending the Jualan Rahmah event at Hospital Sultanah Aminah here yesterday.Lilis Saslinda said the ministry had issued compound notices worth RM108,000, and some RM382,220 worth of fines had also been issued by the courts.
She added that the figure includes complaints received from the public involving suspected attempts at profiteering by companies following the diesel subsidy rationalisation.
“Recently, we’ve received four such complaints and are investigating the matter,” she said, adding that the cases involved transportation and towing companies.
Lilis Saslinda also urged the public to file official complaints at the ministry instead of posting on social media.
“There is no problem with putting it up on social media, but when they do that, some of the businesses involved may hide the necessary evidence to avoid getting compounds.
“If an official report were made at the right channel, we would be able to take prompt action against those involved,” she said.
Among the channels to lodge complaints are the ministry’s hotline (1-800 886 800), WhatsApp number (019-279 4317) and email (e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my).
Consumers can also visit any of the ministry’s offices.