LABUAN — The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Labuan branch detected a trader selling coarse granulated sugar above the government-set maximum retail price during a test-buy operation at a mini market outside Labuan town today.
KPDN Labuan director Junaidah Arbain said the operation was conducted following a public complaint alleging that controlled goods were being sold above the prescribed maximum price.
“Enforcement action will continue to be intensified to ensure that traders comply with the maximum prices set by the government, particularly for controlled goods that are daily necessities,” she said.
The test purchase found that the coarse granulated sugar was being sold at RM2.90 per kilogramme, five sen above the maximum retail price of RM2.85.
Following the finding, the trader is suspected of committing an offence under Section 11 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) for selling controlled-price goods above the prescribed maximum price.
KPDN Labuan seized the sugar and test-purchase transaction evidence for further investigation, with the total value of the seizure estimated at RM342.
Junaidah reminded traders to check the prevailing controlled prices before selling goods and not to arbitrarily increase prices.
She also urged consumers to lodge complaints with KPDN if they found controlled goods being sold above the prescribed maximum price.
“Complete information such as the name and location of the premises, type of goods, selling price and transaction evidence, where available, will greatly assist KPDN in conducting investigations and enforcement action,” she said.
If convicted, the offender may be fined up to RM100,000, jailed for up to three years, or both. The offence may also be compounded up to RM50,000, subject to the prevailing laws.
