1. The Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) in the Ministry of Finance and Economy through the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs found that the rate of compliance with the Price Control Act has improved in July and August 2019 with only 7 and 2 offences recorded respectively compared to 22 and 14 offences respectively for the same period last year. However, businesses are continuously advised to ensure measures are in place in order to comply with the Price Control Act.
2. In the last two months, JPKE issued a compound of $500 each to three businesses, while another received a compound of $700 for a repeated offence related to selling cooking oil above the set maximum price. The compounds were issued to business premises located in the Brunei-Muara District. During the same period, five warning notices were issued for price tagging offences and maximum price violations.
3. These offences were found during JPKE’s daily routine inspections conducted in all four districts aimed at ensuring that businesses comply with the Price Control Act. While on duty, the JPKE’s Price Inspectors also frequently advise businesses and educate consumers on the Act and its regulations, including the display of prices regulations and the cheap sale price regulations.
4. Businesses are reminded that self-compliance with the Price Control Act brings benefits such as creating and maintaining a good business reputation and enhancing consumer loyalty. This in turn can lead to building a more sustainable domestic consumption and vibrant business environment in Negara Brunei Darussalam.
5. Additionally, businesses are advised to display prices on items for sale in their business premises to enable consumers to exercise their rights in making informed purchase decisions by comparing prices of goods. Price transparency promotes consumer welfare.
6. Although maximum prices are set for eleven items listed under the Price Control Act, which include cooking oil and powdered infant milk, businesses are encouraged to offer competitive prices not exceeding the set maximum prices. Up-to-date information on maximum prices are available through the Department’s website at www.depd.gov.bn/cad or via the PenggunaBijak / SmartConsumer mobile application. Meanwhile, prices for items not included in the Act are subject to the market forces of demand and supply.
7. Failure to comply with the Price Control Act and its regulations may be met with a compound of not more than $1,000. Repeat offenders may face a maximum fine of $20,000 and imprisonment of up to 5 years by the court.
8. For more information relating to price control, the public can contact the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs at:
2230223 (office hours)
Consumer hotline: Talian Darussalam 123
Mobile application: PenggunaBijak / SmartConsumer
Email: aduanpengguna@jpke.gov.bn | consumercomplaint@jpke.gov.bn
Website: www.depd.gov.bn/cad
Facebook group: AduanPenggunaJPKE
Walk-in: Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs Department of Economic Planning and Development Room 3.06, Level 3, West Wing Block 2A, Ong Sum Ping Road, BA1131 Negara Brunei Darussalam
