What action is the ministry taking against price gouging?

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Ministry Takes Action Against Suspected Price Gouging

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) is actively conducting operations to combat suspected price gouging, particularly concerning essential food items like chicken, meat, and fish. As part of these efforts, the ministry has issued numerous notices to wholesalers and poultry breeders suspected of engaging in profiteering practices. The ministry is also carrying out nationwide inspections to monitor prices at various retail outlets and markets.
Operation Catut 8.0 Issued Notices for Suspected Profiteering

The KPDNHEP implemented Operation Catut 8.0, an anti-profiteering initiative, which resulted in the issuance of 24 notices to wholesalers believed to be involved in price gouging. Additionally, 16 notices were served to poultry breeders suspected of similar offences during operations conducted on a Thursday and Friday. These actions are a direct response to observed increases in prices within the supply chain.
Nationwide Operation Pantau Monitors Retail Prices

Complementing Operation Catut 8.0, the ministry is simultaneously conducting Operation Pantau across the nation. This ongoing operation targets Ramadan and Hari Raya bazaars, central markets, wet markets, hypermarkets, supermarkets, and mini-markets. The primary focus of Operation Pantau is on retailers of chicken, meat, and fish, with inspections aimed at identifying and addressing any irregular pricing.
Significant Number of Premises Inspected and Cases Recorded

As of April 16, Operation Pantau had inspected a substantial 5,768 premises nationwide. During these inspections, 27 cases were recorded for various offences related to pricing and trade practices. These figures indicate a proactive approach by the ministry to enforce regulations and maintain fair pricing for consumers.
Addressing Viral Claims and Supply Chain Factors

The ministry is investigating claims of high prices for fish, chicken, and meat that have circulated on social media. It has clarified that viral posts, such as those on Facebook using the PriceCatcher KPDNHEP application, may not accurately reflect the overall market situation. These specific claims, involving items like mackerel, chicken, and meat in an upscale area like Bukit Bintang, do not represent prices at all locations. The ministry also acknowledges that factors such as increased import costs for poultry feed, including soybeans and corn from Argentina and Brazil, are contributing to price fluctuations within the supply chain.

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What action is the ministry taking against price gouging?

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