Latest news with #PerakDomesticTradeandCostofLivingMinistry
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- 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
17-07-2025
- 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."
The Star
16-07-2025
- 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
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Syndicate using modified ship tanks to store subsidised diesel uncovered
IPOH: A syndicate's tactic of modifying ship tanks to illegally load more subsidised diesel than permitted was uncovered by the Perak Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, following the detection of suspicious activities. Perak ministry director Datuk Kamalluddin Ismail said the discovery was made during a 10.30am raid yesterday, during which a team of enforcement officers from the ministry's Manjung Branch seized 50,900 litres of liquid believed to be diesel, along with other equipment, with an estimated total value of RM355,040, at a premises in Pantai Remis. "Based on inspections and intelligence gathered, the syndicate's modus operandi involved modifying the ship's original fuel tank, which is limited to 3,000 litres, by adding an extra tank capable of storing 7,000 litres," he said in a statement today. Kamalluddin said the subsidised diesel was believed to have been purchased using the fuel quota of another vessel at a controlled price before being resold to industries in Pantai Remis. At the time of the raid, he said, a ship was caught transferring diesel from its tank to a skid tank using a hose and suction pump. He said the skid tank functioned as a storage facility for unsubsidised diesel and suspected to have been used as a collection point for diesel obtained through the syndicate's fraudulent activities. "Authorities also discovered purchase and sale documents, along with quota cards belonging to other vessels, believed to have been used in this scheme," he said. Preliminary investigations revealed that the premises held a valid permit to store scheduled controlled goods, namely unsubsidised diesel, with an approved storage capacity of 58,000 litres, intended for use by category C2 fishing vessels. Following the raid, a 32-year-old local man, who claimed to be the owner of the premises, was arrested. Additionally, a drifting trawler and diesel suction equipment were seized for further investigation. The case will be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. – BERNAMA
The Star
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Authorities seize RM8,900 in counterfeit jewellery during raid in Manjung
IPOH: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry seized various pieces of jewellery bearing the trademarks of well-known brands from a business premises in Ayer Tawar, Manjung, during a recent operation. The raid, carried out under Op Jenama by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement officers with representatives of the trademark owner at about 10 am on Wednesday, resulted in the seizure of jewellery items valued at over RM8,900. Perak Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said the raid was conducted after a week-long investigation and intelligence operation by his team following a complaint lodged by the trademark owner. "Preliminary investigations conducted by four officers from the Manjung Branch office of the ministry found that the gold shop was illegally using a trademark associated with a well-known brand of pure gold. "Further inspections resulted in the seizure of 17 items of jewellery comprising gold rings, earrings and a gold pendant, as well as a silver ring estimated to be worth RM8,908," he said in a statement today. He said further investigations are being conducted under Section 102 (1)(c) of the Trademark Act 2019. - Bernama
