The Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS) under the Ministry of Finance and Economy has taken action against several business premises for non-compliance with the Cheap Sale Price Regulations, according to a press release on Wednesday.
At the end of February and in March 2024, DEPS issued four Warning Notices to businesses found to be violating the regulations.
Among the businesses penalised is a textile shop located in Batu Bersurat. Following inspections conducted during the Brunei Mega Sales 2024 event and subsequent consumer complaints, the company was issued a Warning Notice for deceptive sales practices. It was discovered that the prices before and after discounts remained the same, contravening Regulations 16 (1) and (2) of the Cheap Sale Price Regulations.
Additionally, a supermarket in Jalan Lumapas, a sports apparel shop in Mabohai, and a book store, also in Mabohai, were found to be in breach of Regulations 16 (3) and (4) for conducting sales activities without proper notification, failing to display Sales Notices, and neglecting to provide necessary documents during inspections. Consequently, these businesses were issued Warning Notices by DEPS.
DEPS emphasises the importance of ethical conduct in sales activities, urging businesses to comply with the Cheap Sale Price Regulations, Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, Chapter 261, and the Price Display Order. Clear and accurate pricing, discounts, and terms and conditions should be prominently displayed to assist consumers in making informed purchasing decisions.
Businesses are reminded to cooperate with DEPS by providing accurate sales price lists and displaying Sales Notices prominently in their premises. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in penalties, including fines not exceeding BND1,000 under Chapter 10B of the Price Control Act, Chapter 142. Subsequent offenses could lead to heavier fines of up to BND20,000 and imprisonment for five years as stipulated by the same act.
Consumers are encouraged to report unethical business practices to DEPS through the PenggunaBijak mobile application or Talian Darussalam 123, providing supporting evidence such as payment receipts or photos for further investigation.
