A KPDNHEP enforcement team inspects a business premises in Sarawak during the MCO period.
KUCHING: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) in Sarawak has recorded 31 cases involving seizure of goods worth RM34,078 since the start of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on March 18.
In a press release yesterday, it said the cases involved offenses under the Consumer Protection Act 1999; Supply Control Act 1961; Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011; and Weights and Measures Act 1972.
It added compounds totalling RM13,350 were issued to traders who were found to have violated the law during the MCO period.
“During the MCO period, KPDNHEP Sarawak received 288 complaints. We will not compromise with any traders who take advantage of this MCO and will investigate all consumer complaints.
“Traders are advised not to make unreasonable profits and if there are reports made, action will be taken against them,” it said.
Meanwhile, the ministry received six reports against business premises in the state – five for failing to display price tags and one for selling a price-controlled item above the permitted price.
The five cases involving failure to display price tags saw two shops in Kuching and one each in Limbang, Miri and Mukah being issued with compounds of RM1,000 each.
The sixth case involved a business premises in Sibu which was issued with a compound of RM5,000 for selling packed sugar above the ceiling price.
KPDNHEP Sarawak added that from Jan 1 up until yesterday, it has inspected 15,593 business premises throughout the state.
“A total of 405 cases were recorded during this period, involving seizure of RM2.44 million worth of goods and compounds amounting to RM83,650 issued to offenders,” it said.
Complaints can be made directly to any of the ministry’s offices in the state, or via its hotline 1-800-886-800, http://e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my, or through WhatsApp on 019-2794317.
During the MCO period, KPDNHEP Sarawak’s operations room opens from 8am to 5.30pm daily.