KUCHING, Dec 5: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDNKSH) took immediate action following a news report on premium egg fraud yesterday that several businesses have conspired to label regular eggs as premium eggs to reap double profits.
The ministry said the price of premium eggs is not controlled. However, the government, through KPDNKSH, has set maximum prices for producers, wholesalers, and retailers for Grade A, B and C eggs under the Price Control and Anti-Profitability Act 2022, which came into effect on Feb 5, 2022.
In a press statement today, KPDNKSH chief enforcement director Azmin Adam said following the complaint from the press, the Ministry has taken samples of premium eggs that are sold in the market at some selected premises.
The egg samples will be tested to determine if the egg’s content is exactly as claimed by the producers, wholesalers, and retailers involved.
Azmin pointed out that action can be taken if the laboratory test results show that the eggs tested are not premium, as claimed by the relevant parties.
“Any party that makes a false trade description regarding content or size may be taken action under Section 5(1)(b) of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, to be read together with Section 6(1)(b) and may be subject to penalties,” he said.
Individuals who are found guilty may be fined up to RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both. For companies, they may be fined up to RM250,000.
“Throughout the year (2022), the Ministry has received 291 complaints on chicken eggs, including 117 on the grading of eggs and 174 on other issues,” said Azmin. — DayakDaily
