PEKAN: Robust enforcement by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in Pahang has resulted in 930 recorded violations this year, signalling a proactive stance in addressing unethical trading practices amid rising cost-of-living pressures.
KPDN Pahang director Jezlily Jamaluddin said more than 86,000 inspections were conducted statewide, leading to significant seizures amounting to RM2.31 million and nearly RM260,000 in compounded fines.
The high number of consumer complaints—1,108 in total—reflects strong public concern over pricing, transparency, and supply of controlled goods.
The newly launched Pasar Patuh Programme is intended not just as an enforcement mechanism but as a behavioural framework to encourage ethical trade practices in public markets.
It emphasises accurate price display, verified weighing scales, and proper market hygiene.
Jezlily highlighted that Pahang’s 26 major public markets require continuous monitoring due to their large customer volume and potential for price manipulation.
She also noted that KPDN’s five district branches allow efficient enforcement even in remote areas where consumers are vulnerable to market exploitation.