GSC slapped with RM45,000 fine for hiking snacks, mineral water prices

KUALA LUMPUR – The Ayer Keroh sessions court has fined Golden Screen Cinemas Sdn Bhd (GSC) a total of RM45,000 for profiteering from the high prices of snacks and drinks.

According to Utusan Malaysia, Melaka Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry Director Norena Jaafar said the cinema operator was profiteering from the sale of 600ml of Spritzer mineral water and 75gm of Mister Potato potato chips.

Norena further explained that the mineral water was sold at RM3.30 with an increased profit margin of 0.97%, while the potato chips were sold at RM5 with a profit margin increase of 1.23%. 

Sessions court judge Nariman Badruddin found GSC guilty of the offence after hearing evidence from three prosecution witnesses and four witnesses from the defence, and further arguments from both sides.

“Judge Nariman Badruddin has made the decision after the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case,” she said.

Following the ruling, the defence had sought a reduced fine, arguing that it was a first-time offence and that the company was faulted due to technical factors. – The Vibes, June 14, 2022