PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has deployed more than 2,400 enforcement officers nationwide under Ops Pantau 2026 to monitor high-traffic areas and prevent price manipulation or supply disruptions throughout Ramadan and leading up to Aidilfitri.
The operation, spearheaded by the ministry's Enforcement Division, runs from Feb 19 to March 20 and aims to ensure a stable and fair trading ecosystem, with monitoring efforts concentrated at Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaars, public markets, supermarkets and farmers’ markets.
Ministry director-general (Enforcement) Datuk Azman Adam (pic) said the operation focuses on three key aspects: compliance with price tag regulations, price and supply stability, and the visible presence of enforcement officers.
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On price tag compliance, he said Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali had warned that action would be taken within 24 hours against traders who fail to display clear and accurate tags, stressing that it is mandatory.
"In terms of price and supply stability, there have been no widespread reports of excessive price hikes or serious supply shortages so far. However, close monitoring continues to prevent profiteering," he said on Sunday (Feb 22).
Azman said the presence of enforcement officers at strategic and high-density locations aims to ensure that traders follow regulations and do business ethically.
"The presence of our officers not only reassures consumers but also serves as a firm reminder to traders to conduct business responsibly," he said.
He added that Ops Pantau 2026 also covers key legal provisions enforced by the ministry, including ensuring adequate supply of essential goods such as sugar, cooking oil, chicken, eggs and wheat flour.
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Azman said compliance with the 2026 Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) is monitored to safeguard consumer rights by ensuring the use of price tags, accurate weighing or measuring instruments, and curbing profiteering.
In addition, the ministry is verifying the authenticity of promotional campaigns and discount sales to prevent misleading claims, while cracking down on the sale of counterfeit and pirated goods at bazaars, he said.
"Online monitoring is also being intensified. We are watching e-commerce platforms for any cases of false advertising and digital price manipulation," he added.
A total of 70,906 inspections were conducted under last year's Ops Pantau, resulting in 390 cases.
"For Ops Pantau 2026, as of Saturday (Feb 21), we carried out 2,830 inspections, with 34 cases recorded," he said.
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He urged the public to serve as the government’s eyes and ears through the Kita Gempur campaign by reporting any non-compliance or misconduct through the ministry's channels.
"The ministry does not take complaints lightly and encourages the public to continue reporting any wrongdoing to protect consumer interests," he said.
Complaints can be lodged via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the Call Centre at 1-800-886-800, e-mail at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, or through the ministry's Ez ADU smartphone application. – Bernama
