PADANG BESAR: The state Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is conducting daily inspections of the prices of goods to address issues related to price gouging and ensure the success of the targeted diesel subsidy initiative.
Director Norazah Jaapar said that under 'Operation Ops Kesan 2.0', inspections are focused on all relevant business premises, including hotels and retail shops, to curb the risk of price manipulation.
She also mentioned that a dedicated complaint line (012-6654292) has been set up for the public to report any information or complaints regarding the implementation of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) and issues related to charges, prices, and supply.
Norazah made these comments after conducting a joint enforcement operation with state enforcement officers following the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy initiative, which began today, at a petrol station.
Operation Ops Kesan 2.0 for the Implementation of Targeted Diesel Subsidy began on June 8 to ensure that there are no elements of price gouging on goods and services under the guise of the retail diesel price being adjusted at petrol stations.
Meanwhile, referring to Operation Ops Tiris 3.0 that is ongoing from Jan 1 until May 31, the Perlis Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry recorded total seizures valued at RM849,625 from 58 cases detected under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 112), which also resulted in 40 arrests.
Norazah said that the seized items involved controlled commodities such as diesel (22 cases), RON95 petrol (19 cases), cooking oil (10 cases), sugar, and wheat flour (two cases each), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) (three cases).
"Under the enforcement of Operation Ops Tiris 3.0 by the ministry in Perlis, for the period from Jan 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024, a total of 5,572 inspections were conducted, covering control posts at the Padang Besar and Wang Kelian ICQS (Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex), petrol stations, wholesalers, quarries, and other business premises," she said.
Norazah added that Operation Ops Tiris 3.0 in Perlis also involved integrated enforcement with other agencies, including the police, General Operations Force (PGA), and Customs.
– BERNAMA