THE Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living to conduct checks and act against wet market traders using inaccurate mechanical weighing scales to short-weigh consumers.
Its president Mohideen Abdul Kadeer said a recent survey of all wet markets in Penang showed that some of the weighing scales had their calibration stickers displayed away from the consumers.
"The calibration sticker should be visible to consumers so they are assured of the accuracy of the weighing scale and if it is fit for use in business.
"Those who used uncalibrated weighing scales would be violating the Weights and Measures Act 1972," he said in a statement.
Under the Law, he said traders should send their weighing scales for re-calibration annually.
The Ministry should seriously consider printing the year of calibration in large bold fonts on the calibration sticker for easy reading by the consumers, he added.
Mohideen said traders must be reminded that the side of the weighing scale with the calibration sticker be displayed, facing the consumers.
Recently the minister acted against a trader at Kota Bharu for using faulty weighing scales.
"The Ministry must also ensure that every market has two public weighing scales (one of which is meant for halal items) for consumers to verify the weight of their goods if they have any doubts.
"Contact numbers should also be provided so consumers can call if they have any complaints such as short-weight, price hikes of essential items or unhealthy business practices," he added. - The Vibes, March 19, 2024
