Crackdown against price manipulation by traders

Kota Kinabalu: Electronic device and Internet hardware traders should not raise prices during the Movement Control Order (MCO) following high demand for the goods, said Sabah Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Shahelmy Yahya.

He said as people were facing various challenges and students were in need of the devices for their home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) sessions, traders should not take advantage of the situation to reap profits.

“Action will be taken against traders found to have raised prices of these electronic equipment, “ he told reporters after monitoring the price of essential goods at a supermarket, here, Friday.

He said KPDNHEP has conducted “Ops Catut 8.0” to curb misconduct or price manipulation by traders following the implementation of PdPR during the MCO.

“Parents are now shopping for electronic equipment such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, printers and mobile phones for their children’s online learning,” he said.

Meanwhile, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) Sabah Director Georgie Abas said 15 premises have been inspected and 13 notices issued to traders since the implementation of “Ops Catut 8.0” here on Jan 25. 

The operation which will last until Feb 8 was launched to ensure traders do not take the opportunity to increase the price of gadgets in view of the high demand for online learning during this Covid-19 pandemic.

“The notices were issued to obtain the details of selling price and actual cost of the goods for investigations whether profiteering is involved,” he said.

“The traders are given two days to furnish the information and if they are found to have increased the percentage of profit margin, a notice under Section 21(2) of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 will be submitted to the trader,” he explained. 

He said if the trader fails to provide information within the given period, it is an offence under Section 21(5) of the Act and may be fined up to RM50,000 or up to two years’ jail, or both, for individuals, while for establishments/corporations, can be fined up to RM100,000.

He said if it is found that excessive profiteering occurs, it is an offence under Section 14(1) of the Act, whereby individuals convicted may be fined up to RM100,000 or jail term of up to three years, or both, while for corporations, can be fined up to RM500,000.

Meanwhile, during the walkabout, Shahelmey and his delegation distributed flyers containing information and guidelines to consumers and traders. 

“Traders have been advised to conduct business ethically and comply with the law, especially those enforced by KPDNHEP,” said Georgie. 

In addition, traders are also reminded to ensure the supply of controlled items such as 1kg packet cooking oil (polybag), sugar and flour are sufficient at all times. 

On another note, he said since the MCO came into effect on Jan 13, KPDNHEP Sabah has conducted a total of 5,054 inspections on business premises. 

Action under various Acts has been taken on 34 business premises with a seizure value of RM32,015.

Of the figure, a total of 17 cases, which include failure to display price tags, were recorded under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, while five cases which involve not having a licence or permit to sell or store subsidised goods, were recorded under the Supply Control Act 1961. 

Two cases which involve displaying misleading prices on goods were recorded under the Consumer Protect Act 1999, and 10 cases involving the use of uncertified weights and measures for trading purposes were recorded under the Weights and Measures Act 1972. 

Those with any inquiry or complaints may do so via e-aduan.kpdnhep portal (http://eaduan.kpdnhep.gov.my/), Call Centre 1800886800, email at [email protected], Ez Adu KPDNHEP (smartphone application), Enforcement Command Centre 03-88826088/6245, WhatsApp 019-2794317 or go to the nearest KPDNHEP office.