MIRI – The Sarawak Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has intensified its initiatives to ease household expenses by rolling out the Rahmah Madani Sales Programme (PJRM) and strengthening enforcement through OPS KESAN 5.0 Back to School.
The measures were highlighted during a walkabout and price monitoring session led by Sarawak KPDN Director Matthew Dominic Barin at Everwin Supermarket, Jalan Pujut 7.
The programme, which began on 5 January and concluded today, offered discounts ranging from 10 to 30 per cent on more than 56 school-related items, including uniforms, stationery and other essential supplies.
Matthew explained that the Back to School PJRM, running from 1 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, was designed to help parents and students cope with rising costs.
“This initiative is a targeted step by the government to ensure school supplies are more affordable,” he said.
Since its launch, 87 Rahmah Back to School sales have been held across Sarawak, with five out of seven divisional-level programmes successfully completed.
The director emphasised that these efforts reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the people.
Alongside the sales, enforcement has been stepped up through OPS KESAN 5.0, which runs from 5 to 11 January 2026 across both urban and rural business premises.
The operation, carried out under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, aims to prevent unreasonable price hikes on school supplies.
As of 5 January, four Notices of Product Information Verification (NPMB) had been issued, covering 17 types of school items. Investigations are currently underway.
Matthew warned that traders found guilty of profiteering could face severe penalties under Section 14(1) of the Act.
Individuals risk fines of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, while companies could be fined RM500,000, rising to RM1 million for repeat offences.
He urged traders to conduct business ethically and responsibly, creating a fair balance between consumer needs and commercial interests. At the same time, he encouraged the public to act as smart consumers and report misconduct.
Complaints can be lodged via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, email at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, hotline 1-800-886-800, or through the KPDN Ez ADU application.
The initiative underscores Sarawak’s determination to protect consumers while ensuring that students and parents can prepare for the new school year without undue financial strain.
