In a bid to protect and empower consumers, the Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (Perak chapter) along with the Perak Royal Customs Department conducted a joint operation codenamed ‘OpsCatut 4.0’. Their targets were businesses (small and big) and traders following the implementation of zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) on June 1.
Following the operation the ministry issued five warning notices to traders in the state for failing to adhere to the latest ruling regarding GST.
The Perak Customs chief enforcement officer, Shamsul Nizam Khalil revealed that among the complaints received were traders failing to update their GST system, traders still using prices inclusive of the six per cent GST and the confusion over increasing prices due to service charges.
He added action would be taken against errant traders under the ‘Enforcement of Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 1999’ and the ‘Trade Descriptions Act 2011’.
Shamsul Nizam disclosed that to date, a total of 560 operations have been conducted, under the Ops Catut 4.0.
“From the number of operations conducted, five warning notices were issued and some 29 complaints were received from consumers,” said Shamsul Nizam, after inspections on hardware shops in Jelapang, involving 15 officers from the ministry and three officers from the customs on Wednesday, June 6.
According to Shamsul the majority of hardware-shop owners in Ipoh have complied with the new ruling, in terms of price tagging.
“We’ll continue to monitor the traders,” he added.
Since the operations were launched, Shamsul disclosed that about 7529 items were inspected throughout the state.
Members of the public can file complaints with the ministry through the Consumer Complaints line at 1800-886-800, Strategic Operations Movement Centre line at 03 8882 6088/6245 and Strategic Operations Movement Centre line at 03 8882 6088/6245. They can also make complaints at the local consumer affairs offices.
Nabilah Hamudin
