Weights and Measures (SDT) Unit officers during a recent joint operation found several retail stores failing to display the nett weight on packaged products such as vegetables, fruits, dry food and meats and placing misleading weight marks as stated on the package.
SDT Unit officers have shared the proper and correct practice on packing and weighing procedures to the management and packing workers.
Meanwhile, the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (JPES) officers issued two warning notices and three compounds of BND500 and BND700 for offences under the Chapter 142 of the Price Control Act, particularly selling above the maximum price for cooking oil and failure to display prices on some of the items in the business premises.
The joint operation was conducted by Industry and Business Ecosystem Division (IBE) through SDT Unit and JPES through Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) under the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) at several business premises at Kampong Sungai Liang and Kampong Lumut, Belait District on August 15.
According to SDT, officers found 20 units of weighing machines used for trading purposes were verified, accurate and registered in accordance to Weights and Measures Act 1983 Chapter 151 and Weights and Measures (Verification) Regulations 1994 Chapter 3 (1) and (2).
The operation enforces acts and regulations to ensure weights and measuring machines used for business activities are registered and verified with SDT Unit; and Chapter 142 of the Price Control Act for price-controlled items under the Act to not be above the set maximum price and for items in business premises to be clearly price displayed and not mislead consumers.
Retailers are reminded to ensure that any pre-packed goods sold to consumers are required by the Act to carry a correct and clear indication of the nett weight or measure of the product in a position on the item which can be clearly seen. Failure to comply with or contravene with any provision of the Act is an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of BND500 and imprisonment for a period of three months.
Retailers are also reminded to conduct business ethically and not to mislead consumers by complying with the Chapter 142 of the Price Control Act and its regulations.
Failure to comply with the Act will be liable to a compound not more than BND1,000 and for subsequent offence will be liable to maximum fine of BND20,000 and imprisonment for five years.
For any enquiries, public may contact SDT Unit via email: sdt@mofe.gov.bn or contact at 233 4092; and DCA via Darussalam Line 123 and PenggunaBijak app, or email: consumercomplaint@jpes.gov.bn. – James Kon
