Melaka KPDN Tracking Five Essential Household Items In Op Kesan 4.0

MELAKA, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Melaka Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is focusing on inspecting five essential household items under ‘Op Kesan 4.0’ launched today to ensure there is no price manipulation of basic consumer goods.

Melaka KPDN director Dr Mohd Hazimin Jamaludin said the five items were condensed milk, chocolate malt drinks, wheat flour, sardines and white bread.

"This focus is also part of the monitoring measures following the implementation of the Sales Tax rate review and the expanded scope of the Service Tax (SST), which began on July 1.

"For the period from July 1 to yesterday (July 17), a total of 35 premises involving 63 stock-keeping units (SKUs) were inspected and a written notice was issued involving three SKUs including a viral case related to the price of ice," he said after conducting an Op Kesan 4.0 monitoring at a supermarket in Angkasa Nuri, Durian Tunggal here today.

Elaborating further, Mohd Hazimin said that apart from tracking prices, his department also paid attention to the issue of manipulation in the quantity of goods, such as reducing packaging size without a significant change in price.

"Sometimes the price remains the same, but the quantity decreases. What is important is not just cheapness, but fairness to consumers.

"We also encourage users who detect any non-compliance to file a complaint via WhatsApp at 019-8488000, the e-complaint portal (eaduan.kpdn.gov.my) or the call centre 1-800-886-800," he said.

Meanwhile, he said the Melaka KPDN enforcement statistics for the period from Jan 1 to July 17 recorded 234 cases under various Acts with a seizure value of RM261,360.

"The total value in compounds issued was RM66,700, while the total in fines reached RM299,500. In all, 14 individuals were also detained, involving 13 cases of arrest for further investigation," he said.

-- BERNAMA