TAKING A CLOSER LOOK: An enforcement officer checks the price of sugar at a supermarket.
SIBU: Consumers are advised to thoroughly scrutinise promotional materials such as ‘While stocks last’ when accosted by sales personnel in shopping malls.
In giving the advice yesterday, the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism here, said consumers must check if the offer was genuine, given the proliferation of sales tactics during festive season.
“This is to ensure that they don’t get cheated by unscrupulous traders into hastily buying goods for fear the stock will run out.
“Businesses are required to state clearly the units or stock quantity when using such terms (while stocks last). The onus is on consumers to vet the promotional materials thoroughly to ensure that it is a genuine offer,” the ministry’s chief, Balraj Singh said after a surprise check at a shopping mall in Salim Road here.
He said shoppers should adopt the smart consumer mentality now that more retail outlets were offering cheap sale with the festive celebration around the corner.
He warned the traders against hanky-panky practices, and taking advantage of the festive season to fleece consumers.
“If they do not state down the stock quantity or that the offer is not genuine, stern action can be taken against them under the Consumer Protection Act 1999. They can be fined up to RM100,000 or three years’ jail or both on conviction,” he said.
He reminded consumers to inculcate the habit of comparing prices and going for the best offer.
Earlier, Balraj led a team of about 20 enforcement officers to check on shopping malls, supermarkets and hypermarkets in town. They inspected the stock of essential items such as sugar, flour, eggs and cooking oil as consumption is expected to surge as Hari Raya draws near.
“Our inspection reveals that there is more than enough supply of essential items in the market and enough to meet the expected surge in demand. The enforcement officers also checked to ensure that goods were properly labelled with information and with price tags.