SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sabah branch reported a significant intensification of its enforcement operations for the year.
KPDN Sabah Chief Enforcement Officer, Peter J. Berinus Agang on Tuesday disclosed the ministry carried out 136,600 inspections of business premises across the state in the first 11 months of 2025.
This figure marked a more than two-fold increase from the 67,972 inspections conducted during the same period in 2024.
The inspection drive, which ran from 1 January to 30 November and included operations such as Ops Tiris and Ops Kesan 4.0, yielded substantial results.
According to Peter, these efforts led to 1,534 cases initiated under various enforced acts, seizures valued at RM30.38 million, a sharp rise from RM9.13 million in 2024, compounds issued totalling RM662,250 and 96 cases brought to court for prosecution.
Peter highlighted that these operations, executed by a force of 204 enforcement officers, are central to the ministry’s mission. “Our primary objectives are to ensure the adequate supply of essential goods, guarantee business compliance with regulations, and decisively curb the leakage of controlled, subsidised goods to protect consumer interests,” he stated.
Alongside the crackdown, the ministry’s public complaint mechanism remained active, receiving 1,967 reports from citizens. The agency successfully resolved 1,861 of these complaints (94.6%), with 106 still under investigation.
Peter also extended the ministry’s appreciation to its strategic partners, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDRM), for their cooperation in border and maritime operations to prevent subsidy leakage.
Peter urged local communities to act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the ministry by reporting any information or unethical trader activities, particularly those involving subsidised controlled goods.
Complaints can be submitted through various official channels including: WhatsApp: 019-279 4317 / 019-848 8000; Complaint Portal: http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my; Call Centre: 1-800-886-800; Email: eaduan@kpdn.gov.my; Ez ADU KPDN Application; Enforcement Command Centre (ECC): 03-8882 6088 / 6245; Official letter to the nearest KPDN office. – James Leong
Peter urged local communities to act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the ministry by reporting any information or unethical trader activities.
