OFFICES of the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), Prime Minister’s Office through the Consumer Affairs Division (CAD) paid a surprise visit to several business premises in the Belait District yesterday.
The visit was led by Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala binti Pengiran Haji Mohammad, Acting Permanent Secretary (Economy and Finance) at the Prime Minister’s Office. Also present was Haji Asrul Adrain bin Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Ahmad, Acting Deputy Director General of JPKE, and 10 officials from the Consumer Affairs Division.
The inspection was to ensure that business stay in compliance with the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 and Price Control (Display of Prices) Order, which requires goods on displayed to be clearly price tagged.
The price of selected goods categorised in the Setting of Maximum Prices on Selected Food During Festive Season in conjunction with the months of Ramadhan and Syawal 1438 Hijrah/2017, are not to be sold exceeding the set maximum prices.
Details of selected food items and maximum prices can be accessed through ‘SmartConsumer’ mobile application and JPKE’s website at www.depd.gov.bn/cad.
Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala binti Pengiran Haji Mohammad, Acting Permanent Secretary (Economy and Finance) at the Prime Minister’s Office, during the inspection. – JPKE
Five business premises were found to commit offences under the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 and its regulations. Other offences also include displaying prices exceeding the maximum prices set on Selected Food During Festive Season.
Businesses which do not comply with the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 and its regulations can be issued a compound not exceeding $1,000; a fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for two years for the first offence by the court; or a fine of $20,000 and imprisonment of five years for a repeated offence by the court.
Meanwhile, action can also be taken on businesses which sell exceeding the maximum prices set, for the selected food items during the months of Ramadhan and Syawal 1438 Hijrah/2017.
JPKE advised the public to practise the concept of “Smart Consumer” by comparing prices of different stores before making any purchase to get the best value for money.
For information, the public can contact JPKE directly through the PenggunaBijak/SmartConsumer mobile application, or contact 2230229 during office hours, or by sending an e-mail to aduanpengguna@jpke.gov.bn or consumercomplaint@jpke.gov.bn along with supporting documents and information such as receipt of purchase and the company against whom complaint is lodged. The public can also reach JPKE through their Facebook or visit the Consumer Affairs Division office at Room 3.06, Level 3, West Wing of the JPKE at Jalan Ong Sum Ping.
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