KUCHING: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak has intensified monitoring at Ramadan bazaars statewide through ‘Ops Pantau 2026’ to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers.
KPDN Sarawak’s Director, Matthew Dominic Barin, said the operations are currently in full readiness mode with enforcement teams deployed daily across the state.
As of March 3, KPDN Sarawak had conducted 2,682 inspections across various business sectors.
The operations involve 206 enforcement officers and 89 price monitoring officers, stationed at strategic locations while also conducting covert inspections by posing as customers.
Matthew said Sarawak has so far recorded zero cases involving Ramadan bazaar traders, despite 9,962 inspections conducted nationwide, which detected six offences in other states.
“This is something we are proud of as it reflects strong compliance among traders in Sarawak,” he said during an ‘Ops Pantau 2026’ walkabout at Bazar Ramadan Stutong here today.
Between Feb 19 and Mar 3, KPDN Sarawak received 32 public complaints across all sectors, mostly involving pricing issues (24 cases) and supply matters (four cases).
Other complaints involved halal concerns and counterfeit goods.
Among the most common offences detected are failure to display price tags clearly under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and the use of uncertified or expired weighing instruments under the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
Although prices in Sarawak are generally reasonable, KPDN continues to monitor market trends closely to detect hidden charges or profiteering.
Traders suspected of profiteering may be issued a Section 21 notice under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, requiring them to disclose pricing information and profit margins for investigation.
Matthew also urged consumers to lodge official complaints with KPDN rather than relying solely on viral posts on social media.
He noted that viral complaints would still be investigated within 24 hours, but formal reports help enforcement teams gather evidence and act more effectively.
Sarawak currently has 41 Ramadan bazaars, including 17 in Kuching, providing consumers with multiple options when purchasing food.
Matthew added that the supply of essential goods in Sarawak remains stable ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
As of March 3, enforcement action had been taken in 85 cases statewide, including 65 compounds issued on the spot against traders who violated regulations.
Consumers are also encouraged to use the ‘Price Catcher’ mobile application to compare prices before making purchases and to shop according to their needs to avoid waste during Ramadan.
