Kota Kinabalu: Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (pic) has clarified that the recent claim saying there’s a hike in the price of ice from RM3.70 to RM6 is inaccurate.
The ice manufacturer in question has lodged a police report. He said the Ministry takes viral claims seriously, but urged the public to verify such information before spreading it.
“The ice manufacturer involved confirmed they did not issue the notice,” he said.
While acknowledging that some producers may have made minor price adjustments, especially for block ice, Armizan said no formal notice of a price hike to RM6 had been submitted to the Ministry.
KPDN summoned the ice company to provide a detailed explanation regarding any price changes, including whether the adjustments are related to increased electricity tariffs, raw material costs or the implementation of Sales and Service Tax (SST).
“If they claim the increase is due to SST, we will require a breakdown of which components led to the price adjustment. It’s not just about the new price, but the profit margin or price range must also be justified,” he said.
Armizan said Ops Kesan 4.0, which begins on July 1, 2025, will monitor such movements closely and action will be taken under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) if there is evidence of unreasonable price hikes.
“The law allows us to issue a notice, and if we find profiteering, individuals can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed for three years, while companies face fines of up to RM500,000,” he warned.
He reminded all businesses, especially those dealing with essential items like ice, to act responsibly and ensure any price changes are transparent and based on actual cost increments.
“We understand that operational costs may change, but that doesn’t mean prices can be increased arbitrarily. There must be accountability,” said Armizan.
KPDN is also currently monitoring similar issues involving other consumer goods, including the recent price movement involving Ramly Burger products, which will also be reviewed.
