SIBU: Improved consumer awareness of consumer’s rights is attributed for keeping illegal cheap sale at bay.
Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (MDTCC) Sibu branch chief Balraj Singh said yesterday traders toed the line when rolling out cheap sale during festivities.
He said the many consumerism programmes rolled out had been helpful.
“Consumers are now keeping their eyes peeled whenever cheap sales are being rolled out. They know how to check for prices before and after discount.
“They will also compare prices by checking out different outlets to get the best deal,” Balraj enthused.
On the Mega Sale, he said the period was from June 29 till Sept 2.
Balraj warned: “Holding cheap sale without approval from the ministry is a serious offence as such action tantamount to misleading consumers.
“This is an outright contravention of the Trade Descriptions (Cheap Sales Price) (Amendment) Act 2011. Upon conviction, offenders could be fined up to RM100,000 or sentenced to three years jail or to both.”
He noted businesses such as electrical shops, furniture shops, shoes and fashion outlets, boutique usually applied for permits.
As for the new requirement under the Trade Descriptions (Cheap Sales Price) (Amendment) Act 2011, he said this compelled traders to list the old and new price. “Items on cheap sale should comprise 70 per cent of goods in the premises.”
He further assured that all cheap sale applications were vetted before permits issued to ensure that they were genuine and no manipulation or misleading of consumers.
Asked on the application procedure, he said: “All applications for cheap sale should reach our office 14 days before businesses carry out the offer.”