BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & AMMAR MIRZA
KUCHING: The supply of essential goods in Sarawak remains stable with no shortages reported so far under the Christmas Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP).
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said despite the ongoing monsoon season, supplies of agricultural produce and poultry continue to be sufficient.
“So far, supplies remain stable. We have dedicated wholesalers to ensure that supply is always adequate, and as of today, we have not received any reports of shortages,” he told a press conference after a walkabout at Emart Batu Kawa here today (Dec 23).
He added that Sarawak’s supply chain has remained resilient despite challenges posed by the monsoon season, with continuous monitoring carried out by KPDN Sarawak to ensure the smooth distribution of goods.
According to him, enforcement officers are consistently deployed to wholesalers, distributors and retailers to ensure controlled items are distributed evenly and sold in accordance with regulations.
“Our enforcement officers are always on the ground to ensure fair distribution and to prevent issues at the wholesale and retail levels,” he said, adding that no complaints had been received as of Tuesday.
On enforcement efforts, Matthew said KPDN Sarawak has intensified inspections statewide to curb price manipulation and profiteering, particularly during the festive season.
As of Dec 19, Matthew said KPDN Sarawak enforcement officers had inspected 125,296 business premises, resulting in 399 cases under various Acts enforced by the ministry.
“These operations led to seizures valued at RM16.45 million, while RM826,550 in compounds was successfully collected,” he said.
