Eye on Johor businesses for unjustified price hikes
A government crackdown is underway in Johor against businesses found exploiting the Sales and Service Tax (SST) to unfairly hike prices.
Four businesses – a sundry shop, two car workshops and a shopping centre – are currently under investigation by Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).
Its director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the shopping centre was accused of hiking its season parking rates under the guise of the new tax.
'Businesses should not use SST as a reason to increase prices unreasonably.
'Close inspections through Ops Kesan 4.0 will continue to be carried out to protect con- sumers from unjustified price hikes,' she said during a spot check at a supermarket in Johor Baru.
The inspections, she said, would focus on types of goods and services covered under SST, businesses exceeding the tax threshold, period of price and service charge adjustments and margin movements.
'Between July 1 and 21, a total of 48 business premises involving 235 stock keeping units (SKUs) were inspected,' Lilis Saslinda said.
'All 48 premises were given Goods Information Verification Notices (NPMB) to gather pricing, cost and profit margin data from traders.
'Enforcement officers will continue to monitor and use daily price data to detect irregularities.'
Ops Kesan 4.0, which began on July 1, was launched following the revision and expansion of SST.
It is meant to ensure traders do not exploit the tax changes to unjustifiably increase prices of their goods and services.
The operation is carried out under Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Individuals found guilty of profiteering could face fines of up to RM100,000, jailed up to three years, or both. Companies may be fined up to RM500,000.
Lilis Saslinda also urged the public to come forward with information on unreasonable price hikes by calling the hotline at 1800-886-800 or by emailing e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my
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