Report bad food items sold in supermarkets to ministry – Chong

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Chong Chieng Jen

KUCHING: Consumers are called to report food items that are not consumable but sold in supermarkets to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) at once.

Deputy Minister of KPDNHEP Chong Chieng Jen said making immediate report would not just enable his officers to take action but would be fair to the retailer as well.

“If you come across any not consumable food items, report to us, we will take action. When you’re talking about food times, I think sometimes you do find some rotten ones.

“But if anyone finds any rotten or bad food items, report to us right away, we will take action,” he said when met by reporters after launching his RM5 free petrol for motorcyclists programme at a Petronas kiosk along Jalan Batu Kawa here yesterday.

Chong, who is Stampin MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, said supermarkets have a standard operating procedure (SOP) they are required to comply with.

“They (supermarkets) have SOP all this while. I don’t think this (finding not consumable food items at supermarkets) happens only now, as it does happen from time to time.”

He said it is the consumer’s right to seek compensation if they have purchased any food item that is not consumable from any supermarket.

Despite so, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker said it is imperative that consumers provide specific information so that his officers could act on complaints received.

“You have to give me specific information so that we can go to the outlet and look into (your complaint),” pointed out Chong.

According to him, KPDNHEP offers several platforms for consumers to channel their complaints and these include WhatsApp and email.

“We have all the channels, you can WhatsApp or email us, or contact our office during office hours. Please do it (complain) formally, and do it right on the spot.

“And we will get our people to go in. But if you make a general statement, it is difficult for us (to take action),” he added.

Visit KPDNHEP Sarawak at 41-51, 801-2B, Jalan Tun Jugah or call 082-466012 or log on to www.kpdnhep.gov.my to lodge complaints.