Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sabah branch has taken action against a restaurant here that charged RM50 for a “sweet cuttlefish” dish.
Its Enforcement Chief Zulfamy bin Mat Udi said an enforcement team inspected the restaurant on Wednesday, following a public complaint that went viral in social media.
He said the premises had price tags for every item and drink on sale. However, the owner was advised to denote clearly the size of the “sweet cuttlefish” sold.
“For example, what is the price for small, medium and large sweet cuttlefish or squid? Need more specific price marking so as to avoid confusion for customers.
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“In addition, a notice to verify goods information (NPMB) was issued under the Price Control and Anti-Profitability Act (AKHAP) 2011 to obtain information on its justification of the price set on the sweet cuttlefish dish.
“The owner is required to respond within two days,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
Zulfamy said the action is taken under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011 and the investigation is ongoing.
The Ministry advised the public to first ask or check the displayed price list before buying, to avoid such problems.
Commenting on sale of face masks, liquid sanitisers and Covid-19 test kits in Sabah due to an increase in the Covid-19 cases, Zulfamy said:
“They are sold either in pharmacies or supermarkets at reasonable prices.
“So far, we have not received any complaints or reports related to price increases and shortage of supply of the goods in the market.
“Some pharmacy premises that have been inspected also informed that there has been a slight increase in demand for Covid-19 test kits. There is still sufficient supply,” he said.
“KPDN Sabah Enforcement officers and personnel will always be at locations where public often patronise such premises as main markets, farmers’ markets and supermarkets to carry out inspections and daily monitoring of essential items including face masks, liquid sanitisers liquid and Covid-19 test kit.
“This is a step to stabilize the price of goods and ensure availability of the supply in the market is sufficient, easy to find and sell at affordable price,” he said.
Zulfamy said any trader who makes a mistake will be taken action under the Price Control and Anti Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011 and the Supply Control Act (AKB) 1961, may be subject to penalties as follows:
Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011
1) The offense of selling controlled price items above the price maximum:
a) Individual; may be fined by the court up to RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both or compounded up to RM50,000;
and
b) Company; can be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000;
2) Failure to place a price tag or price list on the goods sold.
a. individuals; may be fined by the court up to RM50,000 and 2 years imprisonment or both or compounded up to RM25,000; and
b. company; can be fined up to RM100,000 or compounded up to RM50,000.
Supply Control Act (AKB) 1961
i. Dealer offenses involve concealing controlled goods and distort control items.
a) individuals; can be fined not more than one million ringgit or imprisonment of not more than three years or both; and
b) company; can be fined not exceeding two million ringgit.
KPDN always welcomes any information and complaints related to the misconduct of traders or lack of supply of goods control. Users can channel complaints through channels complaints as follows:
a) Whatsapp 019-279 4317 / 019-848 8000;
b) Complaint Portal: e-aduan.kpdn.gov.my;
c) Call Center 1-800-886-800;
d) Email: [email protected] ;
e) Ez ADU KPDN;
f) Appear in person at the nearest KPDN Office;
g) Enforcement Command Center (Enforcement Command Centre): 03 – 8882 6088 / 6245;
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