KUCHING: The federal Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) will be setting up two more sub-branches in Serian and Betong each to serve Sarawakians better.
The ministry’s Chief Secretary Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad said that with the setting up of these two sub-branches, Sarawak would have a total of eight branches and three sub-branches to serve the public, particularly to monitor the movement of controlled items, regulate price control and protect consumer rights.
He added in a special interview with the See Hua Group of newspapers today that the agency in the state would continue to combat smuggling activities..
“The challenge is such that smuggling activities would always be around as long as the price of essential items in the neighbouring countries is higher than here (Malaysia). But we will intensify our cooperation with other enforcement agencies including the General Operation Force, Immigration, Customs and police to curb smuggling activities,” he said.
Hasnol said the agency in the state too would intensify probes and surveillance and the effort has been made easier with the help of public tip-offs.
He then urged members of the public to continue to report suspicious activities, particularly along the border.
A sudden surge in the number of people moving in and out of stores and houses could also be suspicious activity, he cited as an example.
Members of the public could also lodge their complaints online, he said.
Hasnol acknowledged that their past fight against smuggling activities had been successful because of greater public awareness.
“It would be imperative to curb smuggling activities to ensure that supply of essential or control items for the people is steady,” he said.
Also present during the special interview was KPDNHEP minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi and KPDNHEP Sarawak director Datuk Stanley Tan.