MIRI: The Sarawak branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) continues to intensify efforts to help ease the cost-of-living burden on the public through the implementation of the Madani Rahmah Sales Programme (PJRM) and OPS KESAN 5.0 Back to School, ahead of the opening of the new school term.
Sarawak KPDN director Matthew Dominic Barin said the PJRM Back to School programme at the premises, which ran from January 5 and concluded today, offered discounts ranging from 10 to 30 per cent on more than 56 school-related items, including uniforms, stationery, and other school supplies.
“The PJRM Back to School programme implemented by KPDN Sarawak from December 1, 2025 to January 11, 2026 is a targeted government initiative to address rising living costs, particularly in helping parents and students obtain school necessities at more affordable prices,” he said during a walkabout and price monitoring exercise at Everwin Supermarket, Jalan Pujut 7, here on Tuesday.
Matthew said to date, a total of 87 Jualan Rahmah Back to School programmes have been carried out across Sarawak, with five out of seven divisional-level sales successfully implemented, reflecting the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the people.
At the same time, Matthew said KPDN Sarawak has strengthened enforcement through OPS KESAN 5.0 Back to School, conducted from January 5 to 11, 2026, at all urban and rural business premises throughout the state.
The operation is carried out under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 to ensure that traders do not unreasonably increase prices of school-related items.
“As of January 5, 2026, inspections found that four Notices for Verification of Information on Goods (NPMB) were issued involving 17 types of school supplies, including uniforms and equipment, and all cases are currently under investigation,” he said.
Matthew stressed that traders found guilty may face stern action under Section 14(1) of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, including fines of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, for individuals whereas companies may be fined up to RM500,000 and up to RM1 million for repeat offences.
As such, he urged all traders to conduct their businesses ethically and responsibly to create a win-win situation for both traders and consumers, while encouraging the public to be smart consumers and to channel information or complaints on trader misconduct to KPDN.
Complaints can be submitted via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, email at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, the hotline 1-800-886-800, or through the Ez ADU KPDN application.
