Traders reminded not to impose conditions on purchases of controlled goods

BALING: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry reminds traders not to impose conditions on the purchase of controlled goods at their premises.

The ministry’s enforcement director Azman Adam (pic) said the ministry viewed the matter seriously and stern action would be taken against errant traders, including issuing compound notices and revoking their business licences.

He said several traders in Kelantan and Selangor had been detected imposing conditions that required customers to make a purchase before they were allowed to buy subsidised cooking oil.

“Monitoring and checks are implemented continuously to prevent traders from imposing such conditions on consumers. I believe that many traders are aware that such a practice is an offence.

“However, if it still happens, (members of the public are urged to) channel information to the ministry so that immediate action can be taken,” he told a press conference after inspecting the implementation of the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme in Kampung Lalang, here, Wednesday (Feb 2).

On the supply shortage of cooking oil and chicken eggs, Azman said it may be due to several factors including the reopening of the economic sector and bulk purchases made by certain parties for victims of the recent floods.

However, he said the ministry would continue to monitor the situation to ensure cooking oil supply was adequate and that there are no irregularities.

Meanwhile, Azman said the level of compliance with the Chinese New Year 2022 maximum price control scheme that began on Jan 29 has been satisfactory.

“As of Monday (Jan 31), a total of 3,704 premises nationwide have been inspected and the ministry detected two cases involving price tagging offences,” he said. – Bernama