SIBU: All traders in the local central market are complying with the rules and regulations on controlled goods, said the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Sibu chief Kelyn Bolhassan @ Haliward.
He noted that there were some goods sold below the controlled prices.
“This is in line with the scheme that encouraged traders to sell controlled goods at lower than the maximum controlled price if the goods were obtained at lower prices or traders reduce their profit margin,” he said.
Accordingly, Kelyn reminded that stern actions will be taken against any trader who sells higher than the maximum prices set and those who fail to display the pink price tags.
The government now requires pink price tags on controlled goods to differentiate them from other items.
He stressed that any trader who commits an offense will be prosecuted under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and can be penalised.
“Under the Act, any individual can be fined up to RM100,000 or be jailed not exceeding three years or both; or compounded up to RM50,000.
“A company can be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000. For the offense of failing to display a pink price tag on a controlled goods, an offender can be fined up to RM10,000 or compounded up to RM5,000.
“A company can be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded up to RM10,000,” he said.
On Saturday, the ministry’s office here monitored consumer-focused premises in conjunction with the Implementation of the Deepavali Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP DV) 2020.
The inspection was to make sure that traders implement the SHMMP DV 2020 effective from Nov 9 to Nov 17.
The enforcement period is nine days — five days before the festival, on the festive day itself and three days after that.
In addition, the inspection also aimed at reminding traders and consumers that the government is serious in addressing the cost of living and increase in the prices of goods.
