SIBU, Nov 14: There is no panic buying of essential items during this Deepavalli season in this division.
The supply of essential items is also sufficient and easily available according to the finding by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Sibu branch.
Officers from the branch have been going around the town including the rural areas to ensure that traders do not hike the price of controlled items during this Deepavali.
Branch chief, Kelyn Bolhassan had today led a team making inspection at the central market in conjunction with the implementation of the Deepavali Season Maximum Price Scheme 2020.
The scheme is for nine days from Nov 9 to 17. During this period, a total of 20 items are listed as price control items.
Among them are live, standard and super chickens, mutton, imported beef, chicken eggs, tomato, imported round cabbage, bendi beans, cucumber, long beans, dried chilli, coconut, small red onion (India) large imported onions, imported potatoes (China), and Dal beans (Australia)
“During our inspection at Central Market, we found that all controlled price items were offered at prices that did not exceed the control price. In fact, it was found that some control items were even sold below the control price level, “said Kelyn.
Despite that, he warned that stern action will be taken against any trader who sells controlled price goods above the maximum price set by the Government including failing to affix the special pink price tag on these goods.
” Any trader who commits an offense will be prosecuted under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011,” he said.
The offenses provide for a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisoned not exceeding three years or both, or compounded up to RM50,000 for an individual. For Company, they can be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000.
The penalty for failure to place pink price tag on controlled price items: Individual – can be fined by the court up to RM10,000 or compounded up to RM5,000. Company – can be fined up to RM20,000 or compounded up to RM10,000.
Meanwhile, he said his department has also taken pro-active initiatives and actions by monitoring and inspecting the supply of essential goods in urban and rural areas during this Conditional Movement Control Order (PKPB) for 14 days from Nov 9 to 22.
Kelyn also revealed statistics of action taken by his department.
He said from January 1 to November 13, Sibu Branch has carried out inspections of 6,640 business premises covering urban and rural areas.
“These inspections produced a total of 115 cases with a seizure value of RM 548,622.12 and a total compound of RM 21,500,” he said.
He also called on the public who wants to make complaints can do so through: Portal e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my, Call Center: 1800 886 800 and Email e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my. – DayakDaily
