SIBU: The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) is reminding all traders to follow procedures when holding sales or risked being penalised.
Sibu KPDNKK branch chief Kasim Mana said his ministry has so far confiscated nearly RM7,000 worth of goods from 20 cases of sales being held without a permit here this year.
At the same time, he said fines totalling RM3,750 were also meted out against errant traders in those cases.
“Those intending to do cheap sales are urged to come to our office for advice on the correct procedures.
“So far, we have already issued 56 sale permits for the coming Gawai Dayak celebration,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He reminded all traders that the permit for holding a sale must be conspicuously displayed.
“Traders must ensure not less than 50 per cent of the items in their premises are on sale when rolling out a cheap sale.
“The minimum discount must also not be less than 10 per cent of the previous offer price (POP),” he explained.
Kasim warned that action could be taken under Trade Descriptions Act 2011 if traders manipulated the POP to give an impression of a big discount being offered to lure shoppers.
Under the Act, an offender is liable to a fine of up to RM100,000 or three years’ imprisonment, or both, if found guilty.
On non-compliance with the Weights and Measures Act 1972, he disclosed they had acted on 46 cases between Jan 1 and May 17 this year.
“The total value of goods confiscated was RM5,680, with RM6,700 in fines meted out. Most of these cases were related to weighing equipment which had not been sent for recalibration,” he said.
Enquiries can be made by calling the ministry’s hotline at 1-800-886-800 or KPDNKK Sibu’s office at 084-329202. Complaints can be made to [email protected].