KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Affairs (DTCCA) Ministry Sabah office has seized 39,381 packets of fake instant ‘Tongkat Ali Ginseng” coffee valued at RM60,000 from four retail premises around the state capital.
Suhaimi showing the difference between the authentic (left) and fake Tongkat Ali Ginseng instant coffee (right) being sold in the market.
Suhaimi (centre) and DTCCA officers with the seized fake instant Tongkat Ali Ginseng coffee.
Its chief enforcement officer Suhaimi Mat Sari said the 11am raids on Thursday were made following complaints made by CNI Global Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, the main distributor of the product, claiming that the fake products were sold in public.
According to Suhaimi, the fake products are similar to the original items, making it difficult for enforcement personnel to carry out their investigation.
“Investigation revealed that the imitation products have the same packaging, size, colour and quality information as the authentic products.
“But the fake products do not have the company’s code number and the logo is slightly blur,” he said yesterday.
No arrests were made during the operation but statements were taken from the shop owners and operators, he said.
“We will investigate the case under the Trade Description Act 2011, which provides for a jail term of up to three years and a fine of between RM100,000 to RM250,000,” he added.