00:00A sundry shop, two car workshops and a mall in Johor are under investigation for allegedly using the sales and service tax, SST, as an excuse to impose unjustified price increases.
00:14State Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry KPD and Director Lilis Saslinda-Ponomo said the businesses were flagged during OpsKesan 4.0, an ongoing enforcement campaign aimed at protecting consumers from profiteering following the latest SST revisions.
00:31Speaking during a spot check at a supermarket in Johor Bahru on Wednesday, she said inspections are focused on SST-covered goods and services, businesses exceeding the SST threshold, timing of price or service charge changes, and unjustified profit margin increases.
00:49Between July 1 and 21, officers inspected 48 business premises and issued goods information verification notices covering 235 SKUs to collect pricing, cost, and margin data.
01:05OpsKesan 4.0, which began on July 1, was launched following the expansion of SST coverage to prevent traders from exploiting the tax changes.
01:15The operation is conducted under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
01:22Individuals found guilty of profiteering can face fines of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
01:31Companies risk fines up to RM500,000.
01:34Lili Sazlinda also urged the public to report suspicious price hikes via the hotline 1-800-886-800 or by email at eadwan at kpdn.gov.my.
