The Malay Mail : May 2007

DESPITE extensive distribution of information as well as warnings to traders to display price tags on their goods, several errant parties still choose to stay on the wrong side of the law.

 This was the conclusion made by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry’s Federal Territory enforcement division, after it conducted raids and checks on price hikes at outlets in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Its director, Othman Nawang said their operation had yielded surprising results.

“From our checks, the problem of price hikes appear to be under control. However, from May 19 until now, there have been 12 cases of operators’ failure to display price tags,” he told The Malay Mail yesterday.

He said most of the 12 cases happened in Chow Kit area at several restaurants, stalls and the market.

“When they do not put up price tags it is misleading to consumers. We need to put a halt to this,” said Othman, who added that without proper price tags, consumers would not be able to gauge the prices of the products thus putting them at the mercy of unscrupulous traders.

“Failure to put up price tags is a serious offence; consumers can be charged any price because there is no indication whatsoever. This is unfair to the public,” he said.

Action can be taken against traders and operators under the Price Control Act 1946 for not displaying prices of food.

Othman said areas which are considered ‘priority zones’, which had been covered during the operation, include Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Selayang wholesale market, Chow Kit and Pudu.

Other areas which will be covered include Bangsar, Cheras and Lembah Pantai.

Othman said premises which will be checked are mainly restaurants, stalls, hypermarkets, supermarkets, sundry shops, markets and convenience stores.

“If we had more manpower we would like to cover more areas, but due to several reasons we can only choose certain areas which we consider as priority areas,” said Othman.

Othman hopes that consumers will work together with the enforcement department.

“Our officers will do their rounds on a daily basis; we hope to get more feedback from the public so that we can work hand in hand,” said Othman.

Consumers who want to lodge complaints on higher prices of goods can contact the Ministry’s toll-free-line at 1800886800.