share on
- Malaysia to enforce nine-day CNY 2026 maximum price scheme (13-21 Feb).
- Up to 16 essential goods controlled, with state-level variations.
- Strict enforcement under AKHAP 2011, with penalties for non-compliance.
Ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration effective 17 February 2026, Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will implement the 2026 Chinese New Year Holiday Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) from 13 February to 21 February 2026.
The nine-day implementation period covers four days before the festival, one day during the celebration, and four days after. The ministry said the duration is designed to reflect the current situation — creating a balance where consumers can enjoy reasonable prices, while traders are not pressured by an overly long control period.
Up to 16 goods placed under price control
In total, 16 types of goods have been identified for control under the scheme. However, the number of goods varies by location:
- 16 goods in Sarawak
- 15 goods in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah
- 14 goods in the Federal Territory of Labuan
For 2026, four items have been added in Sabah, WP Labuan and Sarawak. The four items are short mustard or Japanese mustard, red chilli, large yellow onion, and large shallot.
The items involved under the scheme are:
- White poached fish (weighing between 200g to 400g each)
- White shrimp (41 to 60 shrimp per kilogram)
- Garlic (China)
- Big yellow onion
- Large shallots
- Short mustard / Japanese mustard
- Red chilli
- Imported round cabbage (Indonesia and China, excluding Beijing)
- Carrot (China)
- White carrot
- Potatoes (China)
- Aged ginger (imported)
- Chicken wings
- Live pigs (control at farm level only)
- Pork (belly)
- Pork (meat and fat)
How prices and timelines are determined
The determination of the list of goods, maximum price levels, and implementation period all take into account factors such as demand and supply, current costs, weather conditions and wage rates.
KPDN also considers the views of strategic partners, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), other government agencies and industry players. The ministry works closely with KPKM to ensure sufficient supply of controlled goods throughout the scheme period.
The maximum prices set at both wholesale and retail levels can be checked via the KPDN website.
Enforcement under Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011
The 2026 Chinese New Year SHMMP will be enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011, which allows for price determination and regulatory action.
KPDN enforcement officers nationwide will be deployed at strategic locations such as public markets, farmers’ markets and shopping malls selling festive goods. The aim is to ensure traders comply with relevant legislation.
Enforcement will also involve education, advice and warnings, alongside monitoring efforts to encourage ethical business practices.
Traders are reminded to use pink price labels for price-controlled goods. Strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply.
Penalties include:
- Selling price-controlled goods above the maximum price:
- Individual: Fine up to RM100,000 or imprisonment up to three years or both; or compound up to RM50,000
- Company: Fine up to RM500,000; or compound up to RM250,000
- Failing to place pink price tags on price-controlled goods:
- Individual: Fine up to RM10,000; or compound up to RM5,000
- Company: Fine up to RM20,000; or compound up to RM10,000
Public encouraged to report violations
Members of the public may lodge complaints through the following channels:
- WhatsApp: 019-848 8000
- Call centre: 1-800-886-800
- Website: https://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my
- Email: e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my
- Ez ADU KPDN smartphone application
A structured approach to festive price stability
Apart from the implementation of SHMMP, KPDN will also run other special programmes in conjunction with Chinese New Year 2026.
Among them is the Chinese New Year Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme (PJRM). Running from 3 to 17 February 2026, a total of 920 PJRM programmes will be implemented nationwide.
PJRM is a year-long sales programme that started in 2025 and organised by major supermarkets and grocery chains. The initiative provides savings of 10% to 30% on daily essential items compared to prevailing local market prices, with a focus on supporting communities in lower-income areas.
The public can check the PJRM implementation calendar via the KPDN website.
With the 2026 Chinese New Year SHMMP in place, the ministry aims to maintain price stability during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
ALSO READ: Frozen food now covered under SARA as RM100 assistance payout reaches 2.2mn Malaysians
Lead image / KPDN Facebook
share on
