Six businesses issued notices under Op Kesan 4.0 for suspected profiteering
Its deputy director-general (operations), Shamsul Nizam Khalil, said two companies have agreed to defer price increases and maintain current prices, another two reported that prices were adjusted in line with Sales and Service Tax (SST) implementation, and the remaining two are undergoing engagement sessions.
He added that these notices were issued after ministry enforcement teams inspected 375 premises covering 1,698 stock-keeping units between July 1 and 8.
Shamsul said this at a press conference after an inspection in Balaji Enterprise Sdn Bhd near Selangor Wet Market today, as part of Op Kesan 4.0.
Today's inspections, he said, focused on wholesalers of dry goods and canned food to trace price movements from suppliers to consumers.
He said enforcement actions during the operation will assess four key elements: whether the goods or services are on the SST list; whether the businesses exceed the registration threshold with the Customs Department; whether prices shifted for goods produced or imported before the SST came into effect; and whether the new margins suggest profiteering.
"Even goods not subject to the SST, such as essential items, are being monitored," he added.
Seventeen complaints have been recorded under Op Kesan 4.0 since July 1, Shamsul said, adding that all are under investigation.
"Traders with SST-related concerns should consult the ministry. Questions about profiteering should be directed to its enforcement division."
Shamsul urged businesses to engage with the ministry on uncertainties surrounding profiteering and SST.
"This is to enable us to provide assistance to ensure that the goods being sold are not marked up and are in line with the law."
Shamsul warned that individuals found guilty of profiteering face fines of up to RM100,000 or three years' jail, or both, and companies can be fined up to RM500,000.
He urged the public to report suspected profiteering through the Enforcement Command Centre (03-8882 6245/6088), WhatsApp, e-Complaint Portal, Ez ADU KPDN mobile app or the ministry's call centre at 1-800-886-800.
The expanded SST came into effect on July 1. The changes include higher sales tax on some luxury goods such as king crab, truffle, essential oils, imported fruit and racing bicycles.
Essential goods like rice, sugar, milk, cooking oil, medicine and basic construction materials remain exempt under the zero per cent sales tax bracket.
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