Ministry: Weighing scales must be re-verified annually
SIBU: Traders face tough action if they fail to send their weighing and measuring instrument for re-verification every 12 months, the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism ( KPDNKK) warned yesterday.
Stressing that this was no laughing matter, KPDNKK Sibu branch chief Kasim Mana said they acted on 47 cases last year and confiscated goods worth RM9,710 for flouting the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
“Majority of these cases under Weights and Measures Act 1972 involved weighing equipment not verified by the weights and scale inspector.
“All weighing and measuring instruments use for trade need to be verified first before use and reverified once every twelve months thereafter as stipulated by the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
“It is an offence to use weighing or measuring instrument without valid verification or re-verification, where upon conviction, an offender is liable to a fine not exceeding RM4,000 or sentenced to not more than three years’ jail, or both,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Kasim advised consumers to make use of the two scales at the security counter at Sibu Central Market to verify the weight of their goods if they had any doubts. One of the scales is meant to weigh halal items.
On another note, Kasim revealed that 27 cheap sale permits had been approved here thus far this year.
He said most of the applications came from supermarkets, boutiques, spectacles and shoes
It is an offence to use weighing or measuring instrument without valid verification or re-verification, where upon conviction, an offender is liable to a fine not exceeding RM4,000 or sentenced to not more than three years’ jail, or both.
shops.
Kasim pointed out that the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 compelled traders to ensure 70 per cent of the items in their premises are to be put on sale, when rolling out a cheap sale.
He added that both the old and new prices (after discount) must be indicated to keep consumers informed.
According to Kasim, failure to do so, constituted an offence under Trade Descriptions Act 2011, warning of hefty penalty.
Towards this end, he said the ministry’s enforcement division will be carrying out inspection during the Chinese New Year festive celebration.
“This is to ensure that traders do not take advantage of shoppers, especially those busy shopping for the festive items,” he said.
The public is urged to call 084329202 or 335622 if they notice any hike in price of essential items or unhealthy business practices.
Kasim Mana, KPDNKK Sibu branch chief