SANDAKAN: Consumers here are advised against panic buying of sugar as the district has a sufficient supply of the item.
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sandakan Chief Enforcement Officer Azdy Zukkry John said the district currently has 122,628 metric tonnes of 1kg packet sugar.
He said another 358.56 metric tonnes of 1kg packet sugar are expected to arrive here next Tuesday (Dec 19).
“Sandakan KPDN takes proactive action to continuously monitor and inspect the supply of essential goods, including sugar,” he said during an inspection of warehouses and wholesalers of controlled goods, here, Thursday.
Azdy said a total of 17 enforcement officers and eight KPDN Price Monitoring Officers from the Sandakan branch are tasked with conducting inspections at locations where consumers shop.
“In order to ensure that the supply of controlled goods such as sugar, cooking oil and wheat flour is not interrupted and sold at the prices set by the Government, KPDN Sandakan has taken a proactive step by creating a WhatsApp group with the Dedicated District Retailers (DDRs).
“Through this, we can monitor the supply of controlled goods at each appointed DDR in the urban and rural areas.
“In addition, we also conduct periodic surprise inspections at each appointed DDR.
“Throughout the month of January until now, KPDN Sandakan has inspected a total of 6,508 business premises.
“A total of 181 cases were reported involving a total confiscation value of RM3,063,604.35, RM34,600 in compounds and RM20,000 in fines.
“In terms of consumer complaints, a total of 149 have been received since January where 148 have been resolved. The remaining complaint is under investigation,” he said.
He reminded all traders to comply with the laws and regulations, saying anyone convicted under the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122) can be fined not more than RM1 million or imprisoned for not more than three years, or both, and a fine not exceeding RM3 million or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both, for subsequent offences.
As for companies, the fine does not exceed RM2 million and RM5 million for subsequent offences.
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