Melaka: 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative is 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. Dr Mohd Hazimin Jamaludin reported that from July 1 to July 17, a total of 35 premises involving 63 stock-keeping units (SKUs) were inspected, resulting in a written notice being issued for three SKUs, including a viral case related to the price of ice.

Dr Mohd Hazimin elaborated that apart from tracking prices, the department is also focusing on the manipulation in the quantity of goods, such as reducing packaging size without a significant change in price. He emphasized the importance of fairness to consumers and urged them to report any non-compliance via WhatsApp, the e-complaint portal, or the call center.

Meanwhile, the Melaka KPDN enforcement statistics from January 1 to July 17 recorded 234 cases under various Acts with a seizure value of RM261,360. The total value of compounds issued was RM66,700, with total fines reaching RM299,500. Additionally, 14 individuals were detained, involving 13 cases of arrest for further investigation.