The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has launched a new operation codenamed ‘Ops Menu’ which will be conducting spot checks on restaurant in Malaysia to ensure they adhere to the rules and regulations regarding the display of prices and weighing scales. As reported by national news agency Bernama, the Ministry’s enforcement director Azman Adam said that Ops Menu would be focusing on premises that prepare and serve cooked food, including restaurants, eateries, food courts and even seafood restaurants.
In a statement yesterday (5 November 2021), Azman asserted,
“The checks will mostly be on the price tags and weighing scales used by restaurants and eateries.”
Furthermore, the KPDNHEP enforcement director also reminded operators to always comply with the rules and regulations set by the ministry to avoid facing legal actions, including being charged in court or issued compounds. In fact, KPDNHEP stressed that stern action will be taken against traders that fail to comply with the legal provisions under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marketing for Goods and Charges for Services) Order 2020.
Should they found to have committed an offence, unincorporated businesses would face fines up to RM50,000 while incorporated businesses would face fines up to RM100,000. Moreover, traders could also be fined up to RM40,000 or a up to 3 years imprisonment if they are found guilty under the Weights and Measures Act (ATS) 1972.
Azman also reminded Malaysians that the best precaution against getting duped by irresponsible businesses is by utilising our consumer power and that enforcement action should be the last resort against such traders. Therefore, he reminded consumers to always be careful and choose ethical restaurants and eateries that display clear price lists and use valid scales to avoid being deceived.
Consumers with information regarding unscrupulous trading practices to alert the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-2794317, hotline 1-800-88-6800, the Enforcement Command Centre (03-8882 6088/6245) or email e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my.
Also read: KPDNHEP Sets Up Special Channel For You To Complain About Food Delivery Related Issues