MUKAH: A canteen operator in an oil palm plantation in Balingian near here was compounded RM2,000 for failing to display price tags on goods offered for sale.
The head of the local branch of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Salihin Den, said acting on public complaint through the mass media, the ministry recently checked the canteen.
He said some traders were still stubborn such as the canteen operator who failed to comply with the law.
Goods worth about RM3,000 were seized at the canteen and the business owner was presented with a compound of RM2,000 on the spot.
“The canteen operator agreed to pay the fine on the spot too,” said Salihin in a statement on WhatsApp last Monday.
He said the action taken against the canteen operator was in accordance with Regulations 3(1) Price Control Order (Price Display By Retailer) 1993, and Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011 which govern displays, tags, labels and price signages on goods sold for commerce.
An offender would would be charged under Regulations 3(1) Price Control Order (Price Display By Retailer) 1993, and AKHAP 2011, and if convicted, would be liable to a fine of up to RM100,000 or jail sentence not exceeding three years or both.
For a company, the fine is up to RM500,000 or compound up to RM250,000.
Salihin also revealed that as of May 10, the ministry had checked 1,379 business premises in town and rural areas, and recorded 48 cases with items seized worth RM60,818.29 while the compound involved amounted to RM21,650.
He stressed that the ministry was serious and would not compromise on protecting the interest of consumers, especially during the ongoing movement control order (MCO).
He added that complaints could be channelled to the ministry’s hotline at 1-800-886-800 or complaint portal e-aduan kpdnhep at http://e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov..my or enforcement command centre (ECC) 03-88826245/6088 or WhatsApp 019-2794317. Complainants can also go to the ministry’s office.
He also said throughout the MCO period the ministry’s operation centre here was open from 8am until 5.30pm.
