Ops Kesan 4.0: Johor KPDN Inspects 48 Premises To Monitor SST Impac

JOHOR BAHRU, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Johor branch has inspected 48 premises involving 235 stock-keeping units (SKUs) as part of Ops Kesan 4.0, which has been in effect since July 1.

Its director, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, said the inspections followed the revised Sales and Service Tax (SST) rates and scope. The focus is on monitoring essential goods and service charges to prevent unjustified price hikes.

“As part of the investigation, 48 Price Information Verification Notices (NPMB) were issued to traders to gather details on pricing, costs, and profit margins,” she told a press conference today.

She added that the operation is being conducted under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) to stop unwarranted price increases and profiteering disguised under SST adjustments.

As of July 21, four complaints were received involving two vehicle workshops, a provision shop, and parking pass charges. All are currently under investigation.

Lilis Saslinda said enforcement efforts focus on four areas: items and services subject to SST, businesses above the SST threshold, the SST implementation timeline, and profit margins in line with the law.

“All traders and companies are advised to consider these factors before making any price or service charge changes,” she said.

Individuals found guilty of profiteering may face fines of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Companies may be fined up to RM500,000.

The public is urged to report unreasonable price increases through the Enforcement Command Centre (03-8882 6245/6088), WhatsApp (012-665 4292), email (e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my), toll-free line (1-800-886-800), or the Ez ADU KPDN mobile app.

Earlier today, Lilis Saslinda and state chief enforcement officer Mohd Fuzi Hadi Abd Latif checked prices at a supermarket in Larkin Junction.

-- BERNAMA