GEORGE TOWN: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has conducted more than 67,000 inspections this year in Penang, seizing goods worth RM3.06 million as part of a crackdown to strengthen business compliance and safeguard consumers.
State KPDN director S. Jegan said that, between Jan 1 and now, KPDN Penang carried out inspections on 67,564 business premises, resulting in 804 enforcement cases involving various offences.
He said most of the offences involved pricing issues.
He added that compounds amounting to RM461,800 were issued during the same period.
“During the same period, we also received a total of 2,288 complaints from the public.
“Of this number, 1,016 involved issues related to the prices of goods and services, 191 were related to the supply of controlled items, while the remaining 1,081 were other types of complaints,” he told newsmen at the launch of the “Pasar Patuh 3P” (Compliant Market) programme at Chowrasta Market here.
Jegan urged the public to continue supporting the “Kita Gempur” campaign by reporting any instances of business misconduct or non-compliance through various channels.
On today’s programme, Jegan said it was aimed at fostering a stronger culture of business compliance among traders, with a focus on clear price tagging, accurate weighing instruments and maintaining a clean and orderly trading environment.
The pilot programme at Chowrasta Market involves 60 traders across several zones — including the wet market, semi-dry goods, dry goods and non-halal sections — before being expanded statewide in phases.
“The programme seeks to raise traders’ awareness of legal compliance, promote fair competition, and safeguard consumer rights.
“It also supports the government’s broader goal of building a fair, ethical, and competitive trade ecosystem,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jegan confirmed that no cases of fuel quantity fraud under the Budi Madani initiative had been detected in the state so far.
He said regular inspections conducted at all petrol stations found that operators had been fully complying with the ministry’s regulations.
“This month alone, we received 12 complaints related to Budi Madani — an increase of three compared to nine cases recorded previously.
“We found that the majority of the cases were due to technical glitches or user confusion, not subsidy fraud. The KPDN headquarters will issue an official statement on this matter soon,” he said.
Commenting on price monitoring of goods, Jegan said the ministry is currently reviewing the possibility of price increases in raw materials and seafood following the onset of the northeast monsoon season.
“When the monsoon begins, supplies of fish and fresh vegetables may decrease, leading to higher demand and a slight price increase.
“However, KPDN will continue to monitor the situation closely,” he said
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
