PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, July 8, 2025 – The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has rolled out OPS KESAN 4.0 nationwide, effective July 1, 2025, to prevent traders from exploiting the revised Sales and Service Tax (SST) rates and expanded service tax scope. The operation aims to ensure businesses do not unjustifiably hike prices or engage in profiteering under the guise of SST adjustments.
OPS KESAN 4.0 focuses on monitoring price and service charge movements through:
– Inspections of business premises using data from KPDN’s Price Monitoring Officers (PPH).
– Public complaints and reports.
– Market studies and intelligence conducted by KPDN’s Enforcement Division.
The ministry is scrutinizing four key elements to address price hikes:
1. Goods and Services List: Price changes must align with the revised SST list for goods and services.
2. Registered Businesses: Adjustments apply only to businesses exceeding the SST registration threshold with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM).
3. Registration Date : Price movements must correspond with the business’s SST registration date.
4. Profit Margins: Price hikes must comply with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011, ensuring no profiteering.
Businesses are urged to adhere to these criteria before adjusting prices or charges. KPDN advises companies to consult JKDM and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) for SST policy details and the KPDN Enforcement Division for guidance on profiteering regulations.
From July 1 to 7, 2025, KPDN inspected 281 premises nationwide, covering 1,292 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), including 12 premises with 60 SKUs in Kelantan. Two notices under Section 21 of AKHAP 2011 were issued for six SKUs, with both companies agreeing to suspend price increases and maintain current prices. Four other companies received notices and are under engagement. As of July 7, KPDN is investigating 16 complaints related to OPS KESAN 4.0.
“We are committed to protecting consumers from unfair price hikes,” said Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali during a press conference in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.