Latest news with #KamalludinIsmail
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
No big price hikes for essentials in Perak since SST expansion, says ministry state director
IPOH: There have been no significant price hikes for essential items in Perak since the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) was implemented 16 days ago, according to the state Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director. Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said that from July 1 to July 16, only one complaint related to price increases was recorded. "Between July 1 and 16, our enforcement team inspected 48 business premises involving 239 Stock Keeping Units across Perak to analyse and collect price data. "There was only one complaint recorded under Ops Kesan 4.0, which is currently being investigated. The trader involved has been asked to provide justification and detailed information regarding the price increase," he said during an Ops Kesan 4.0 programme at a hypermarket on Thursday (July 17). He added that out of the 48 premises inspected, seven were issued written notices under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. He said the premises include locations in Ipoh, Manjung, Tapah, and Teluk Intan. "These notices require traders to provide additional information so we can determine if there are elements of unjustified price increases. "They must respond within six days. If profiteering is detected, further action including prosecution may follow," he said. When asked about claims that retailers are waiting to sell old stock before adjusting prices of new stock, Kamalludin said the matter will be investigated if such a case arises. "The Ministry will calculate based on several elements. We'll assess based on the formula, production cost, profit margins, and other factors. "For instance, if an item that previously cost RM5 is suddenly sold for RM15 without justification, it is deemed unreasonable and will be investigated," he said. On a separate matter, he also reminded the public to be smart when buying durians to avoid being cheated with pricing. He said that from a separate operation in Kuala Kangsar, a durian seller was found using an expired weighing scale. "Out of four premises inspected, action was taken against one, which was fined RM300 under Section 14(6) of the Weights and Measures Act 1972," he said. Kamalludin reminded consumers of their rights. "Buy only if you feel the price is reasonable. If not, don't waste your money. "Know your rights as buyers and lodge a report if you suspect unfair pricing. So far, there have been no complaints about durian prices," he added.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
7 Perak traders flagged for suspected price hikes after SST
IPOH: The Perak Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has issued written notices to seven business premises in the state suspected of unjustified price increases following the implementation of the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) earlier this month. Its director, Datuk Kamalludin Ismail, said the notices were served under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 as part of the ministry's ongoing Ops Kesan 4.0 enforcement campaign. "From the 48 premises we inspected between July 1 and 16, seven showed signs of possible profiteering, prompting us to issue a second, more detailed notice for further investigation. "The affected businesses include six retail shops and one supermarket located in various districts, including Ipoh, Manjung, Taiping, Tapah, and Teluk Intan," he told reporters after joining the Op Kesan 4.0 at TF Mart here today. Ops Kesan 4.0 was launched nationwide in response to public concerns over price hikes tied to the new SST implementation, effective July 1, particularly its impact on basic consumer goods and services. The operation aims to prevent profiteering, where traders raise prices excessively to reap unfair profits. He added that the Perak Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has mobilised 195 enforcement officers, supported by 75 price monitoring officers across the state, to carry out daily checks and collect pricing data on essential goods. "We are not here to disrupt businesses, but to ensure pricing remains fair, especially now, as SST adjustments take effect. Any attempt to take advantage of the situation will be met with firm action. "Businesses that fail to respond to the notice within six working days may face legal action. "If found guilty of profiteering, individuals can be fined up to RM100,000 or face up to three years in prison, or both. For companies, the fine may go up to RM500,000, and up to RM1 million for repeat offences," he said. He added that so far, only one official complaint has been lodged in Perak regarding an alleged food price hike at an eatery in Meru, and the case is still under investigation. "We are still gathering detailed cost data from these businesses to determine whether the price hikes are justifiable. "Even if an item is not subject to SST, we're checking whether traders are using the tax as an excuse to raise prices," he said. Kamalludin also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious price increases, especially on essential items. "Complaints can be submitted via a dedicated WhatsApp line at 012-665 4292.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Durian buyers beware: Traders under scrutiny for unfair practices
IPOH: As the durian season reaches its peak, consumers in Perak are being urged to shop wisely and remain vigilant. Perak Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail advised buyers to carefully check prices and ensure that traders are using properly calibrated and certified weighing equipment. "Consumers have every right to make informed choices and to demand fairness when purchasing durians or any other goods," he said after taking part in Op Kesan 4.0 at TF Mart in Tambun earlier today. "If prices appear unreasonable or the weighing scales are uncertified, customers should not hesitate to report any irregularities." Kamalludin said a recent operation in Kuala Kangsar targeted durian vendors and revealed non-compliance. "During our inspection of four premises, one trader was found using expired weighing equipment. We issued an on-the-spot compound of RM200 under Section 14(6) of the Weights and Measures Act 1972 to ensure compliance," he said. He added that such enforcement efforts were part of ongoing measures to protect consumer rights and promote fair trade practices. "With durian prices currently reasonable due to ample supply in areas such as Batu Kurau, it is essential for consumers to compare prices, check the accuracy of weighing equipment, and only buy from trusted sellers. "If you suspect any unfair practices, report them immediately. We are committed to acting swiftly to safeguard consumer interests."
Barnama
4 days ago
- Barnama
Perak KPDN Seizes 19,000 Litres Of Diesel, Equipment Worth RM60,550
IPOH, July 16 (Bernama) -- The Perak branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) seized 19,000 litres of liquid, suspected to be diesel fuel, as well as several equipment worth RM60,550 in a raid on a construction site at Changkat Asa Estate, near Tanjong Malim yesterday. Its director, Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said the raid was conducted at about 1.30 pm, involving a team of KPDN enforcement officers and personnel, following intelligence information from the public. "The inspection of two skid tanks at the location led to the discovery of a large quantity of suspected diesel fuel stored without the written permission from the Supply Controller," he said in a statement.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Perak Domestic Trade ministry seizes 19,000 litres of undeclared diesel, equipment worth RM60,550
IPOH: The Perak Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry office has seized 19,000 litres of liquid, suspected to be diesel fuel, and equipment worth RM60,550 in a raid on a construction site at Changkat Asa Estate, near Tanjong Malim on Tuesday (July 15). State director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said the raid was conducted at 1.30pm, involving an enforcement team acting on information gathered from the public. "The inspection of two skid tanks at the location led to the discovery of a large quantity of suspected diesel fuel stored without the written permission from the Supply Controller," he said in a statement. He also said that a 41-year-old local man who claimed to be a construction site manager failed to present any related documents, such as a licence, permit letter, or controlled goods storage permit, when requested by the enforcement officers. It is said that the case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for possessing or storing scheduled controlled goods without permission. In this regard, the public is urged to help provide information on fraudulent activities via WhatsApp to 019-848 8000, the e-aduan@ portal, line 1-800-886-800 or the KPDN Ez ADI smartphone application. - Bernama
