KUCHING, March 12 — The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) will consider the need to increase the number of ministry branches in Sarawak in an effort to provide better service to consumers in the state.
Its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said any decision to open a branch needs to take several factors into consideration, including the number of consumers and the business community in a particular area.
He added that for the time being, the ministry has nine branches and three sub branches in Sarawak.
“The branches are important, especially when the country is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, where consumer issues such as panic buying, price increases and inadequate food supply issues.
“(The opening of new branches) depends on the need, if we receive valid feedback or applications we will open (branches),” he told reporters after visiting the Serian Resident Office, around 60 kilometres from Kuching city here today.
Meanwhile, Nanta said since the enforcement of the Movement Control Order in March last year, ministry officials at every branch in the country have carried out their duties well.
“We see there were no serious cases like mass panic buying or food supply shortages, or even drastic price increases…there may be some but only a few cases,” he said.
