The Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS) under the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) has issued three compounds totaling BND1,500 to three business premises for non-compliance with the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 and its Regulations during April and May this year, according to a press release from the department.
Routine enforcement operations conducted by DEPS through the Department of Consumer Affairs in April and May 2024 revealed violations of Section 5 of the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 related to price display. The affected businesses in Kampong Kiulap, Kampong Mata-Mata, and Kampong Mulaut were found to have failed to display prices for certain items sold on their premises. Each business was fined BND500.
Additionally, enforcement activities during this period resulted in the issuance of three Warning Notices to other business premises. These notices were issued for offenses under Section 3B, about the sale of price-controlled items above the set maximum price, and Section 5, concerning the failure to display prices.
DEPS emphasised the importance of ethical business practices, including clear and accurate price displays to enable informed consumer decisions. It highlighted that price-controlled items such as cooking oil and infant-formulated powdered milk must not be sold above their maximum prices as stipulated in the Price Control Act, Chapter 142. “Promoting ethical business conduct is essential for building consumer trust and maintaining a healthy business environment,” it added.
To lodge complaints or obtain more information about the Price Control Act, Chapter 142, the public is encouraged to use the PenggunaBijak mobile application, submit supporting documents such as purchase receipts, or contact Talian Darussalam 123. Complaints can also be emailed to consumercomplaint@jpes.gov.bn.
