Industry and Business Ecosystem Division (IBE) through Weights and Measures Unit (SDT) and Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS) through Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) under Ministry of Finance and Economy conducted a Joint Operation which was carried out at Pekan Seria, Belait District business premises on Wednesday, 22nd March 2023.
The operation was conducted to enforce the following:
- Weights and Measures Act 1983 Chapter 151, ensure weights and measures machines used for business activity are registered and verified with SDT Unit;
- Price Control Act, Chapter 142, ensures business compliance on price-controlled goods and prices being displayed clearly and not misleading.
During the operation, SDT officers inspected seventeen (17) units of weighing machines used for trading purposes. One (1) of these units was found to be in violation of the Weights and Measures Act 1983, Chapter 151 and its stipulated guidelines, i.e. using unverified weights and measures. The company was issued a Seizure Notice and was required to rectify the issue and present themselves to SDT Unit’s Office within seven (7) working days from the date the notice was issued. The machine has been confiscated.
Meanwhile, DEPS also issued four (4) Warning Notices and one (1) $500 compound for offences under the Price Control Act, Chapter 142. The retailers were found to either be selling above the maximum price for the price-controlled goods and/or failed to display prices. Business premises inspected were as follows:
No.
| Business Premises
| Description
|
SDT
| DEPS
|
1
| Syarikat Haji Mohammad Bakir Jaya Sdn Bhd
| Complied Weights andMeasures Acts and stipulated guidelines under the Act
| Issued with a Warning Notice – failure to display price
|
2
| Syarikat Milimewah Department Store Sdn Bhd
| Issued with a Warning Notice – failure to display price.
|
3
| Syarikat WYWY Enterprise
| Complied with the Price Control Act, Chapter 142
|
4
| Syarikat C.A. Mohamed
| Complied with the Price Control Act, Chapter 142.
|
5
| Syarikat Chop Soon Kheng (Setia Rahmat)
| Issued with a $500 compound – selling above maximum price for cooking oil.
|
6
| Syarikat Ayesha Energy Global Sdn Bhd
| Issued with a Warning Notice – selling above maximum price for cooking oil.
|
Accordingly, the SDT Unit insists owners of weighing and measuring machines to register their respective machines before it is used in any business activity. DEPS also advised retailers to always comply with the existing laws as this is important in developing a resilient and sustainable business environment through fair and ethical business practices. At the same time, DEPS informed retailers on the Seasonal Maximum Price Setting, enforced as of 1st Ramadhan.
For any enquiries, public may contact the relevant agencies as follows:
- Weights and Measures Unit via email: sdt@mofe.gov.bn or contact at 233 4092; and
- Department of Consumer Affairs via Talian Darussalam 123, PenggunaBijak app or email: consumercomplaint@jpes.gov.bn
