Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has mobilised over 2,400 enforcement officers across the nation under the initiative "Op Pantau 2026." The operation aims to oversee high-traffic areas, prevent price manipulation, and avert supply disruptions during the Ramadan period and in the lead-up to Aidilfitri.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation is led by KPDN's Enforcement Division and spans from February 19 to March 20. It focuses on establishing a stable trading environment, with enforcement efforts concentrated on Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaars, public markets, supermarkets, and farmers' markets.
KPDN Enforcement Director-General Datuk Azman Adam highlighted that Op Pantau 2026 is centered around three primary aspects: adherence to price-tag regulations, maintaining price and supply stability, and ensuring the visible presence of enforcement officers. He noted that traders are required to display clear and accurate price tags, with non-compliance facing action within 24 hours.
Azman stated that while no significant issues regarding price hikes or supply shortages have been reported, ongoing monitoring is essential to prevent profiteering. The presence of enforcement officers serves as both reassurance for consumers and a reminder for traders to uphold ethical business practices.
The operation also encompasses key legal provisions enforced by KPDN, such as ensuring the availability of essential goods like sugar, cooking oil, chicken, eggs, and wheat flour. Additionally, KPDN is overseeing compliance under the 2026 Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP), addressing profiteering, inspecting price tags, and verifying the accuracy of weighing instruments.
Efforts extend to verifying promotional campaigns and discount sales to prevent misleading claims, and cracking down on counterfeit and pirated goods at bazaars. Online platforms are also under scrutiny to deter false advertising and digital price manipulation.
Azman reported that during Ops Pantau 2025, 70,906 inspections were conducted, leading to 390 cases. For the current year, as of February 21, 2,830 inspections have resulted in 34 cases. He encouraged public participation in the KITA GEMPUR campaign to report any misconduct, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in protecting consumer interests.
Complaints can be submitted via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the Call Centre at 1-800-886-800, email at [email protected], or the KPDN Ez ADU smartphone application.