JOHOR Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has been keeping a close watch on profiteering.
Johor KPDN director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said her office had received eight complaints related to profiteering this year.
“Most involved food, particularly the prices of dishes and beverages at restaurants,” she told StarMetro.
Other complaints, she disclosed, involved market goods such as chicken, fish, prawns and fresh chilli.
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She said the agency also received complaints regarding fees for services such as parking, car wash, vehicle repair and haircuts.
“Even small hikes can have an impact on household budgets.”
Lilis Saslinda said consumers had several official channels to lodge complaints, including WhatsApp Aduan Suri (019-848 8000), Ez Adu app, hotline, email, service counters, social media and KPDN e-Complaint portal.
“We want people to know they have means for recourse.
“Complaints help us take immediate action against those who try to take advantage of consumers.”
She reminded the public that they could verify official retail prices of controlled goods.
“Our website provides the retail ceiling prices for items such as cooking oil, gas, flour, sugar, face masks and Covid-19 self-test kits.”
This information, she said, empowered consumers as they would know whether they were being overcharged.
To prevent sudden price spikes during major celebrations, the ministry also implements the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme.
“This covers festivals such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Gawai and Kaamatan,” said Lilis Saslinda.
By announcing the ceiling price before each celebration, she said consumers were protected from unscrupulous traders.
She said enforcement officers were especially active during festive seasons, conducting spotchecks at wet markets, supermarkets, food courts and restaurants.
“This is the time when demand surges and traders may be tempted to mark up prices.
“Our presence on the ground keeps them in check,” she added.
To help consumers make smarter choices, KPDN encourages the public to compare prices before buying.
“Consumers are encouraged to shop around for the best deals,” said Lilis Saslinda.
She highlighted the Price Catcher app as a useful tool for consumers.
“The app allows users to check prices at nearby premises instantly, so that they can compare before they buy.”
She said that many Johor citizens, especially families managing tight budgets, had found the app useful when planning their weekly grocery trips.
Lilis Saslinda said KPDN would continue enforcement under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723), with a focus on sectors prone to unreasonable hikes.
“Ops Kesan and other ground inspections will continue, with our officers maintaining visibility in hotspots.”
She said officers regularly visited petrol stations, sundry shops and neighbourhood services such as carwashes and barber shops.
“Our approach is both preventive and corrective. We warn traders first, but if they persist, strict action will follow.”
Lilis Saslinda stressed that maintaining access to affordable goods and services was central to the ministry’s mission.
“We know many Johor citizens depend on these affordable options.
“Our role is to maintain that balance by preventing profiteering while supporting fair business practices,” she said while acknowledging that many small traders in Johor had done their part to keep prices reasonable despite rising costs.
“These businesses are our partners in ensuring the public still has access to meals and services within their means.” – By RHEMA SENG
