KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) successfully conducted 2,748 inspections across retail, wholesale, and manufacturing premises during the 2024 Christmas Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP), identifying only minor violations. The enforcement efforts led to the issuance of 75 compounds, largely due to non-compliance with price tag regulations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the enforcement director-general, Datuk Azman Adam, stated that 74 cases involved traders failing to display the designated pink price tags, while one trader did not display any price tags at all. These violations resulted in fines totaling RM8,600. Importantly, no traders were found to be selling goods above the regulated maximum prices during the scheme’s duration.

Datuk Azman highlighted that the KPDN’s monitoring and enforcement efforts, coupled with public feedback, indicated that the 2024 Christmas SHMMP’s implementation proceeded smoothly and effectively. He noted that the ministry did not receive any complaints throughout the enforcement period, underscoring the high level of compliance among traders.

Azman remarked that most traders demonstrated a strong commitment to adhering to the maximum pricing regulations. He expressed gratitude, on behalf of KPDN, to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, related agencies, industry players, and traders for their dedication and cooperation, which were pivotal to the scheme’s success.

The 2024 Christmas SHMMP, which ran from December 23 to 27, involved the gazetting of 14 controlled items and their respective maximum prices. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers from unethical trading practices during the festive season.