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.
