Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi supports upgrading KPDN’s enforcement division to a full department, citing subsidy leakage and digital trade challenges.
CYBERJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has supported a proposal to upgrade the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s (KPDN) enforcement division into a full department.
He cited the increasing burden of tackling subsidy leakages, price manipulation and digital trade offences as primary reasons for the transition.
Zahid pointed out that the role of KPDN enforcement officers has expanded significantly beyond merely controlling the supply of basic goods, as they now face increasingly complex commercial crimes across both physical and digital markets.
“Personally, if I am asked about the KPDN enforcement division, the time has come for it to be upgraded into an Enforcement Department,” Zahid said during the launch of the National Consumer Policy 2.0 and KPDN Enforcement Day celebrations today.
“Bring the proposal to the Cabinet. I will provide my support, given the high level of challenges within its scope,” he said, adding that the officers have become a vital part of the country’s frontline defence in protecting consumers and ensuring market integrity.
“The duties are becoming heavier and the responsibilities greater; the rank should be raised accordingly.”
Zahid praised the division’s recent achievements, specifically highlighting Ops Tiris.
Since 2023, the operation has recorded seizures worth more than RM260 million in efforts to combat subsidy leakages.
He described the conduct of over one million inspections within a single year as a “significant achievement” for the ministry.
The Deputy Prime Minister also called for more stringent regulation of the digital market. He argued that online transactions must be held to the same standards as physical trade, including requirements for clear product information, transparent pricing and fair refund processes.
“I suggest we strengthen existing laws and consider a more comprehensive framework, including moving towards a specific act for the digital market,” he said.
Zahid emphasised that such measures are necessary as consumers are increasingly exposed to online fraud, algorithm-driven marketing, and data exploitation.
Earlier, KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali explained that the DPN 2.0 aims to cultivate informed, sustainable and resilient consumers.
He revealed that the ministry has prepared 30 advocacy videos to explain the policy, stressing that consumer activism should focus on both rights and smarter purchasing behaviour.
Armizan also described the ministry’s vision for its officers as “enforcer educators,” stating they must possess “the muscle of an enforcer and the mind of an educator.”
Also in attendance were KPDN Deputy Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh, Secretary-General Datuk Seri Mohd Sayuthi Bakar and Enforcement Director-General Datuk Azman Adam.
