KPDN inspects 1,698 items in Ops Kesan 4.0 price check sweep
The ministry, in its post on X said the enforcement operation is part of a nationwide effort to ensure businesses do not exploit recent developments, including Sales and Service Tax (SST) adjustments, to unjustifiably raise prices.
The operation, led by KPDN's enfrocement division, targets profiteering activities by monitoring the supply chain and retail pricing mechanisms to ensure compliance with Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011.
The inspection visit to Pasar Borong Selangor in Puchong was led by the ministry's enforcement division deputy director-general (Operations) Shamsul Nizam Khalil as part of initiative by the division to ensure retailers must not use SST implementation as an excuse to trigger unreasonable price hikes.
He stressed that KPDN will continue to take stern action against any party found increasing prices without a valid justification.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
12 minutes ago
- The Star
12 opposition parties form a loose coalition to fight for people's issues
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 12 opposition parties have united to create a loose coalition aiming to address the people's concerns, which the Madani Government allegedly has not fulfilled. The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic), stated that although an agreement has been reached, the official name of the coalition would only be announced at a future meeting, reported Sinar Harian. According to him, the coalition involves the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas), Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan), Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (Muda), Parti Rakyat India Malaysia (MIPP), Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), Parti Progresif Penduduk Malaysia (PPP), Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), Parti Kemajuan Malaysia (MAP) dan Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional (Iman). "Also participating is an organisation that has not yet been officially registered, Bersepakat Hak Rakyat Malaysia (Urimai)," he said at a press conference after the Joint Meeting of Opposition Leaders at a hotel here on Monday (Aug 18). He explained that the meeting also agreed for opposition parties to broaden discussions with community groups, including traders, entrepreneurs and sector representatives, to understand their issues and propose the best way to present solutions to the government. "We are in agreement here; there is not a single party leader who disagrees. These are matters that require attention and priority, including the issue of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which is being presented and discussed but is seen as not addressing many of the people's main concerns.' Muhyiddin, who is also the Chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN), stressed that the formation of the loose coalition was a preliminary step before any other decisions are taken in the future. According to him, the cost of living issue was the main focus of the discussion because it was the biggest burden borne by the people since the unity government took over the country's administration. "Despite the low inflation rate, in many places the price of goods continues to rise. This increase is due to the elimination or restructuring of oil subsidies, which increases logistics costs. "In addition, the implementation of the sales and service tax (SST), which has been expanded since July 1 to nearly 6,000 types of goods, also adds to the burden on the people," he said. He added that the business sector was also affected, as businessmen complained of incurring higher operating costs, thereby putting pressure on small and medium-sized traders. "This issue is protracted, especially when the government does not implement reform promises such as eliminating tolls and delaying PTPTN refunds. All this adds to the burden on the people," he stressed. When asked about the coalition's cooperation in the upcoming elections, he said things have not been decided specifically. "But whatever we think, there is a common interest that touches both economic, social, educational and other matters, we can use the platform and discuss together and make a decision together, not one party, but many parties," he said.
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's commercial property faces lower absorption, rental pressure post-SST revision
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's real estate market may see reduced absorption rates across all commercial property segments, with downward pressure on rental growth, following the revised Sales and Service Tax (SST), said JLL Malaysia. Its head of research and consultancy Yulia Nikulicheva said to counter this trend, landlords will likely increase tenant concessions to attract and retain occupiers. "In the investment market, transaction activity may diminish as capital values and yields undergo adjustment to establish a new market equilibrium," Nikulicheva added. The government expanded the SST framework from July 1 this year. This expansion introduced an eight per cent service tax on commercial property leasing and rental services, alongside a new six per cent SST on previously exempt construction work services. The expanded SST applies to commercial properties including offices, shopping malls, shop lots, and warehouses for landlords with annual revenue exceeding RM1 million. The new tax regime is expected to reshape the country's property landscape, JLL Malaysia said in a statement today. "The expanded SST scope increases the operating expenses for existing tenants. Office tenants now face the dual challenge of higher rental costs and increased fit-out expenses due to the new construction services tax. "These changes will likely influence relocation decisions and strengthen resistance to standard rental increases upon renewal,' it added. JLL Malaysia said tenant may respond to these changes by maintaining current space strategies, relocating to lower-rent locations and extending stays at current locations. In the retail sector, impact varies by tenant size. Malls with higher SME representation will experience less disruption. JLL interviews indicate most mall operators will avoid additional rental increases, recognising tenants are already absorbing SST costs. For logistics and industrial tenants, where fit-out costs are less significant, rental increases may lead to greater use of tenant incentives. Impact On Landlords While landlords face less direct impact, their operating expenses will increase due to the expanded SST scope, JLL Malaysia said. Buildings with higher vacancy rates, whether new or old, will likely be more sensitive to these changes, compelling owners to offer more favourable terms to attract tenants. However, government landlords gain a competitive edge through their tax-exempt status, it added. Developer Challenges Developers face compressed profit margins as construction costs rise. JLL Malaysia said the combined effect of higher costs and tenant resistance creates significant pressure. Many developers may pivot toward shorter timeline projects or postpone larger developments. Township developers will likely pass costs to buyers, while commercial and industrial segments face challenges implementing similar strategies. "Developers of properties currently under construction face both increased costs and potentially weaker demand," it said. Investment Outlook JLL Malaysia said the real estate investment landscape requires adjustment as landlord revenue growth projections decrease. Real estate investment trusts and investors must account for these changes in their valuation models, with yields likely experiencing slight compression.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
LKIM hopes for stronger support under 2026 Budget
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) is calling for continued and enhanced support for the fishing community in the upcoming 2026 Budget, with particular focus on fuel subsidies, housing and critical infrastructure upgrades. LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said it was important to maintain operational cost incentives, especially fuel subsidies, which remain a lifeline for many fishermen. "We request that all operating cost incentives, particularly fuel subsidies, be continued under the 2026 Budget. These are vital to sustain the livelihood of our fishermen. "There is also a growing need for better housing among the fishing communities, with nearly 40 per cent of fishermen currently living in cramped or inadequate housing conditions. "We urge the federal government to continue supporting fishermen housing projects, with an emphasis on improving living standards and community welfare. "In addition to subsidies and housing, we are also pushing for more attention and funding to be allocated towards the renovation and upgrading of fish landing complexes nationwide. "Many of these facilities, which are essential for daily fishing operations, are outdated and in dire need of repair," he told newsmen here today. He was met after presenting fishing aid to some 230 Penang fishermen. Elaborating, Faiz said they had identified more than 10 fish landing complexes that needed repairs, but many more were likely in similar condition. He said so far fish landing complexes in Chendering, Kemaman and Dungun had been identified and currently undergoing renovation. He said other areas requiring urgent attention included Kota Tinggi and multiple sites in Lumut. "We are requesting more in-depth studies and budget allocations to address this issue. "The total cost of these repair and upgrade efforts is still under evaluation. "LKIM remains hopeful that the 2026 Budget will reflect the government's continued commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector, enhancing fishermen's welfare and ensuring the sustainability of Malaysia's maritime economy," he added. Meanwhile, Faiz was also asked on calls by the fishing community, who urged the government to find the best way to grant exemptions from import duties on equipment such as nets, fishing gear, engines and others, which are burdensome to them. Recently, the government imposed the sales and services tax (SST) on various aquaculture materials, prompting concerns within the sector. He said while some materials were exempted from the tax, fishermen are still calling for broader tax relief. "There is a need for a review of import duties in the upcoming 2026 Budget to help ensure the industry's sustainability and financial stability. "Though import duties are an important revenue source for the government, discussions around exemptions are ongoing.
