(From left) Matthew, Miro and representatives from LePapa at the press conference.
KUCHING (Dec 23): The failure to display ‘pink’ price tags for controlled items remains the most common offence among traders in Sarawak, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin.
According to him, the ministry’s enforcement officers have issued compounds totalling RM360,750 for 798 cases recorded from Jan 1 to Dec 20 this year.
He explained these cases were detected following inspections of 76,853 premises during that period, which also recorded estimated seizure value of over RM22.7 million
“Most of the cases involved not displaying pink-coloured tags and improper tagging of controlled items,” he said during a press conference after the launch of Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) for Christmas 2024 today.
The event held at LePapa Siniawan was officiated by Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh.
Matthew said individuals selling controlled price items above the maximum price may be fined by the court up to RM100,000 or imprisoned for up to three years, or both, or compounded up to RM50,000.
Companies committing the same offence can be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000.
For the offence of failing to place a pink price tag on controlled price items, he said individuals can be fined by the court up to RM10,000 or compounded up to RM5,000.
Companies committing this offence can be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded up to RM10,000.
“In this regard, the public can channel their complaints by sending their report through WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, call centre at 1-800-886-800, email via e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, or through the Ez ADU KPDN mobile app,” he added.