Kuala lumpur: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is strengthening enforcement against any form of price profiteering under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 to ensure traders do not take advantage of uncertainties in the global economic environment. Its deputy minister, Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, said that if there are unreasonable price increases, the ministry can issue a Section 21 Notice to obtain explanations on input costs and profit margins from the parties involved.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fuziah stated that any party found to be taking advantage of the current situation will face strict action in accordance with the provisions of the law. She mentioned that the government is aware of economists' views regarding rising input costs such as fertiliser, animal feed, logistics, and agricultural imports, which could potentially pressure food prices amid geopolitical uncertainties affecting inflation rates.

However, Fuziah noted that current domestic monitoring indicates that the prices of essential goods remain under control. So far, KPDN has not received reports or detected unexpected price hikes following the conflict in West Asia. She emphasized that close monitoring by over 2,400 enforcement personnel and 850 price monitoring officers nationwide shows that the prices of basic necessities remain stable for now.

Fuziah also highlighted that KPDN is collaborating with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) to ensure the stability of the country's food supply chain and to prevent excessive passing of increased input costs to consumers. The government is intensifying various mitigation initiatives, including the Rahmah MADANI sales programme, which offers essential goods at prices 10 to 30 per cent lower than market rates to help ease the cost of living burden on the people.

She encouraged the public to channel official complaints to KPDN if they detect any unreasonable price increases to facilitate prompt investigations.