MELAKA – The Melaka branch of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) has, since Monday, issued four notices under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (AKHAP 2011) to four premises selling electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
Its director Norena Jaafar said the notice was to obtain detailed information on the sale and cost price of the electronic devices for analysis purposes, and traders should provide the information within two days of the date of issuance.
She said it was to ensure that the prices of the electronic devices were reasonable and that traders did not increase prices at will.
“We take note of the current situation related to the increasing demand for electronic and communication equipment for home-based teaching and learning following the implementation of the movement control order recently.
“Since Monday, Melaka KPDNHEP has conducted inspections and monitoring at 10 premises selling electronic equipment for virtual learning use, and four notices have been issued for further inspection,” she said today.
She also said that consumers should choose wisely and compare prices before making purchases so as not to fall prey to errant traders, and KPDNHEP will continue to monitor the price of goods so that they are sold at reasonable prices.
Meanwhile in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu KDPNHEP has issued 10 notices under AKHAP 2011 against traders selling computers, telecommunication, and electronic devices.
Its director, Saharuddin Mohd Kia said it was the result of inspections conducted statewide under Ops Catut since Tuesday to curb misconduct or price manipulation by traders following the implementation of virtual learning during the MCO.
“Traders are reminded not to take advantage of the current situation by raising the price of goods at will in order to reap excessive profits,” he said in a statement today.
Saharuddin said that out of the 10 notices, three were issued in Kemaman and Besut each, and two each in Kuala Terengganu and Dungun.
“The notices issued require traders to provide feedback and detailed information within the next two days on the sale price and cost of goods for further investigation purposes, whether there is excessive profit taking or vice versa,” he said.
He added if convicted, individuals could be fined of up to RM100,000 or jailed for not more than three years or both, while companies could be fined of up to RM500,000. – Bernama, January 28, 2021
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