KPDNHEP to set up sub-branches in Serian, Betong
KUCHING: The federal Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) will be setting up a sub-branch each in Serian and Betong to serve Sarawakians better.
The ministry’s secretarygeneral Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad said with the setting up of these two sub-branches, Sarawak KPDNHEP would have a total of eight branches and three sub-branches to serve the public, particularly to monitor the movement of controlled items, regulate price control and protect consumer rights.
He added in a special interview with the See Hua Group of newspapers yesterday here that the agency in the state would continue to combat smuggling activities.
“The challenge is such that smuggling activities would always be around as long as the price of essential items in the neighbouring countries is higher than here (Malaysia). But we will intensify our cooperation with other enforcement agencies including the General Operations Force, Immigration, Customs and Police to curb smuggling activities,” he said.
Hasnol said the agency in the state too would intensify probes and surveillance and the effort had been made easier with the help of public tip-offs.
He then urged members of the public to continue to report suspicious activities, particularly along the border.
Giving an example, he said a sudden surge in the number of people moving in and out of stores and houses could also be suspicious activity. Members of the public could also lodge their complaints online, he said.
Hasnol acknowledged that their past fight against smuggling had been successful because of greater public awareness.
“It would be imperative to curb smuggling activities to ensure that supply of essential or controlled items for the people is steady,” he said.
Also present during the special interview were KPDNHEP minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi and KPDNHEP Sarawak director Datuk Stanley Tan.