LABUAN — A retailer operating in a rural area of Labuan was issued a compound today for using a weighing scale whose verification period had expired, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Labuan Federal Territory said.
KPDN Labuan director Junaidah Arbain said enforcement officers found the retailer using a double-sided spring balance with a maximum capacity of 20 kilogrammes (kg) for trading purposes despite its verification having expired.
She said the action was taken under the Weights and Measures Act 1972 (Act 71).
“The location of a business is not an excuse for neglecting compliance with the law. Whether operating in town or outside town, every trader must ensure that equipment used for commercial transactions complies with the regulations in force,” she said in a statement today.
Junaidah said the enforcement action demonstrated that KPDN inspections were carried out regardless of the location of business premises, including those in rural areas, to protect consumer interests.
She said the use of weighing and measuring instruments with valid verification was important to ensure accurate readings and fair transactions between traders and consumers.
Under Act 71, those convicted of an offence may be fined up to RM40,000 or imprisoned for up to three years, or both.
Junaidah reminded all traders to ensure that weighing and measuring instruments used for commercial purposes have valid verification and to have them re-verified before the validity period expires.
“KPDN Labuan will continue inspections and monitoring throughout the Federal Territory of Labuan to ensure that all traders, regardless of location, comply with the laws and regulations in force,” she said.
