By Ling Hui
KUCHING, July 17: Three wet market traders in Samarahan were compounded RM100 each for using weighing scales with expired validity and another hardware merchant was prosecuted for using tools or units other than those allowed after several public complaints, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) said today.
KPDNHEP revealed that the use of expired weighing scales is an offence under Section 14 (6) of the Weights and Measures Act (ATS) 1972 whereas the offence of using tools or units other than those permitted can be prosecuted under Section 12 of the ATS 1972.
According to ATS 1972, any person who fails to follow the provisions of the sections above would be fined not exceeding RM4,000 or imprisoned for a term not exceeding three years or both.
“In this year (2020), the ministry has taken 218 cases under ATS 1972 with a compound value of RM33,000 in total while the value of confiscation is RM53,036,” said KPDNHEP in a press statement.
With that, KPDNHEP urged members of the public who come across unethical practices by traders to file their complaints through the ministry hotline at 1-800-886-800, KPDNHEP e-complaint Portal at http://e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my, via Whatsapp number 019-2794317 or by visiting the nearest KPDNHEP office.
“During this MCO (Movement Control Order) period, KPDNHEP Sarawak Operations Room is open from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm every day and can be contacted at 082-466052,” added KPDNHEP. —DayakDaily
