​13 March 2025

Two (2) business premises were found to have violated the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 during a recent monthly joint operation conducted by the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS) through the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Weights and Measures Unit (SDT), Industry and Business Ecosystem Division (IBE) under the Ministry of Finance and Economy, on business premises in Kampong Delima Satu, Brunei-Muara District.

The monthly joint operation by DEPS and SDT Unit aims to ensure businesses’ compliance with the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 and its regulations, as well as the Weights and Measures Act 1983 Chapter 151. 

Following the joint operation, DEPS has issued two (2) Warning Notices to two (2) business premises for non-compliance with the Price Control Act, Chapter 142, specifcally for failure to display prices on some of the items sold in the business premises. In addition, three (3) of the inspected business premises are participants of Brunei Mega Sales 2025 and were found to be compliant with the prescribed sales conditions. 

Meanwhile, the SDT Unit found 36 units of weighing machines being used for trading purposes. All weighing machines were verified, accurate and registered in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act 1983 Chapter 151 dan Weights and Measures (Verification) Regulations 1994 Chapter 3 (1) and (2). SDT officers also found that several retail stores did not display net weight on packaged products such as sugar, rice and dry food. SDT officers have shared the proper and correct practices regarding packing and weighing procedures to the management and staff responsible for packing.

Failure to comply with the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 can be subject to a compound not exceeding $1,000, and a maximum fine of $20,000 and 5-year imprisonment for repeated offences. Offences under the Weights and Measures Act 1983 Chapter 151 can lead to a fine of $1,000, or imprisonment for 3 months, or both, and the said weights and measures tool/equipment can be confiscated. 

Businesses are reminded to remain vigilant and adhere to existing laws, contributing to the development of a resilient and sustainable business environment through fair and ethical business practices. This includes ensuring that the goods sold do not exceed the maximum price set and prices are displayed clearly and not misleading. In addition, businesses are advised to ensure that all weight and measurement equipment used for trade purposes is valid, accurate, and registered with SDT Unit. 

Any inquiries can be reported to the following official channels: 

i. Price Control Act, Chapter 142 : Department of Consumer Affairs, DEPS through Talian Darussalam 123, PenggunaBijak mobile application and email consumercomplaint@jpes.gov.bn; and 

ii. Weights and Measures Act 1983 Chapter 151 : SDT, IBE through email sdt@mofe.gov.bn.​