13 NOTICES ISSUED TO ELECTRONIC STORES IN SABAH

29 JAN 2021

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 13 notices were issued to electronic appliance traders in the state on suspicion of profiteering.

Sabah State Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Director Georgie Abas said the traders were given two days to supply relevant information as instructed by the ministry.

He said, if they fail to do so within the given period, it is an offence under Section 21 (5) of AKHAP 2011 and can be fined not exceeding RM50,000 or jailed not exceeding two years, or both, while establishments or corporations can be fined not exceeding RM100,000.

"If it is found that there is excessive profiteering, it will be an offence under Section 14 (1) AKHAP 2011 and can be fined not exceeding RM100,00 or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

"For any corporate body convicted of an offence under this act, they can be fined not more than RM500,000.

"In this regard, all traders are reminded not to increase the price of electronic goods such as computers, laptops, tablets, printers and mobile phones in an unreasonable manner," he said in a statement here, today.

According to Georgie, the ministry has conducted the Ops Catut 8.0 operation since Jan 25 and to date, a total of 15 business premises selling electronic appliances throughout the state have been inspected.

He said the operation is carried out as it has been found that the supply of gadgets recorded high sales lately, especially printers and laptops.

He added that Ops Catut 8.0 aims to curb misconduct or price manipulation by operators as demands of gadgets have been increasing following online learning sessions for school students which started on Jan 20.

He also advised traders to conduct business ethically and comply with the laws enforced by the ministry.

Earlier, Minister of Community Development and People's Welfare Ir. Shahelmey Yahya visited Bataras Superstore at Wawasan Plaza here to review the level of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) compliance of traders and consumers.

The visit also aimed to inspect the supply and prices of basic necessities