Four business premises in Johor, including a shopping mall, are now being investigated for allegedly taking advantage of unreasonable price increases following the implementation of the expanded sales and services tax (SST) since July 1.
Director of the Johor Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said that the shopping malls involved were found to be increasing seasonal parking charges as an excuse for implementing the SST.
She stressed that business premises should not use the SST as an excuse to increase prices at will, and comprehensive inspections through Ops Kesan 4.0 will continue to protect consumers from price manipulation.
According to her, the inspections focus on goods and services subject to SST, businesses that exceed the tax threshold, price and charge adjustment periods, and changes in profit margins.
During the period from 1 to 21 July, a total of 48 premises involving 235 stock keeping units (SKUs) were inspected and all premises were given a Notice of Product Information Verification (NPMB) to obtain information on prices, costs and profit margins.
He also urged the public to channel complaints regarding unreasonable price increases via the KPDN's official website or email.
Ops Kesan 4.0 is implemented under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, with individuals found guilty facing a fine of up to RM100,000, a maximum prison sentence of three years or both, while companies can be fined up to RM500,000.
