A file photo shows a KPDNKK enforcement officer checking the price of cooking oil at a supermarket.
SIBU: The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) yesterday reminded consumers that there should be no conditions imposed on the purchase of controlled items.
Sibu KPDNKK chief Kasim Mana said, however, that no traders here have been caught imposing any conditions for such purchases so far, unlike in Bintulu where a business outlet was found to have required customers to buy margarine in order to be able to purchase five 1-kg packets of cooking oil.
“It constitutes an offence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, which carries a fine of up to RM100,000 or a three-year jail sentence, or both, upon conviction,” Kasim said.
Meanwhile, he said KPDNKK has stepped up checks on the supply of cooking oil here in view of the anticipated demand surge for the Gawai festival.
Kasim advised the public to call 084-329202 or 084-335622 if they spot any hike in the price of essential items or other unhealthy business practices.