KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a high-level directive to all relevant ministries and agencies, demanding that the supply of essential goods and the stability of market prices be strictly guaranteed nationwide as Malaysia prepares for the upcoming Ramadan and Syawal seasons.
The Prime Minister’s “zero-compromise” stance reflects a heightened commitment by the MADANI government to shield the public from the rising cost of living during a period of peak consumer spending.
Central to this directive is the immediate mobilization of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). The Prime Minister has ordered the ministry to intensify its monitoring efforts under Ops Pantau 2026, a dedicated surveillance operation designed to prevent price gouging, hoarding, and artificial supply shortages.
According to Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, the Prime Minister’s Senior Press Secretary, the monitoring will not be limited to supermarkets and wholesalers. The Prime Minister has specifically requested that enforcement officers be present at Ramadan bazaars across the country.
“The Prime Minister wants food prices at these bazaars to be closely supervised. It is essential that the meals and goods sold remain reasonable and affordable for all Malaysians, ensuring that the spirit of the season is not marred by financial exploitation,” Tunku Nashrul said during a live PMO daily briefing today.
In addition to price controls, the Prime Minister has placed a strong emphasis on the quality and safety of the trading environment. Local authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan) have been tasked with ensuring that all business premises, particularly seasonal markets, meet stringent hygiene standards.
This directive includes the provision of proper facilities—such as waste management and clean water access—to support traders in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for consumers.
To provide a direct buffer against inflation, the government confirmed that the MADANI Rahmah Sales Programme will be scaled up and maintained throughout the month of Ramadan. This initiative, which offers essential household items at significantly discounted prices, is a key pillar of the administration’s strategy to assist low-to-middle-income families.
“The goal of the MADANI government is to ensure that this year’s Ramadan and Syawal celebrations are meaningful for every Malaysian. We want to ensure that families can observe these holy days with peace of mind, without the heavy burden of excessive living costs,” Tunku Nashrul added.
The Prime Minister’s directive serves as a call to action for both the public and private sectors to cooperate in maintaining a fair economic ecosystem. By combining strict enforcement via Ops Pantau with the compassionate reach of the Rahmah Sales, the administration aims to create a stable economic environment as the nation moves toward the Syawal festivities.
The Prime Minister’s Office will continue to receive daily updates on market conditions to ensure that the directives are being implemented effectively on the ground.
