The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) continues to monitor the sale of dates from Israel, alleged to still be present in the market including those sold online.
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that KPDN is conducting monitoring through various acts, particularly the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, to prevent the offering of these date products to consumers.
“We have immediately included this matter in our standard operating procedures (SOP) and terms of reference for Op Pantau, which we have launched specifically for Ramadan and Aidilfitri, to closely scrutinize the sale of these alleged Israeli dates.
“We greatly appreciate the cooperation from the entire community and public complaints on the official platforms available at KPDN,” he said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to supplementary questions from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu), who inquired the government’s actions to address the sale of dates from Israel online and whether the government needs to amend laws to ensure Israeli products do not easily enter the country.
Armizan stated that KPDN takes this issue seriously and will take stern action if any irresponsible parties attempt to take advantage of consumers.
“Under Section 5 of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, any party found guilty can be penalized, with individuals fined up to RM100,000 or imprisoned for up to three years or both, while companies can be fined up to RM250,000,” he said.
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) announced at a press conference yesterday that they seized 73 packets of dates suspected to be Israeli products in a raid on a food storage warehouse in Klang, Selangor, on Tuesday (12 Mar).
Meanwhile, regarding Op Pantau 2024 in conjunction with Ramadan this year, Armizan said that from 12 Mar until yesterday, KPDN conducted inspections at 3,099 premises with 11 cases recorded, including six cases involving overpricing.
“KPDN has issued notices to the traders to respond and provide feedback on the prices offered. However, KPDN hopes that the complaints are specific so that we can conduct inspections at the locations stated in the complaints, rather than just transferring the prices.”
“For the first complaint, if there are concerns, please inform us on the official portal (KPDN) for us to conduct specific investigations. Secondly, we also appeal to consumers to exercise their rights in choosing products at reasonable prices,” he said.
Armizan was responding to supplementary questions from Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) regarding the issue of expensive food prices at Ramadan bazaars, which has gone viral on social media, besides inquiring about the progress of Op Pantau 2024 by KPDN.
