KOTA KINABALU: Chocolates worth RM23,704 with "no palm oil" labels have been seized by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement officers in Labuan.
The ministry said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (May 7) that 1,134 boxes of chocolate were taken away from two different shops in Labuan town.
It added that the raid was carried out by a team of enforcement officers after detecting a supermarket selling food products with "no palm oil" or "palm oil free" labels.
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"The case is being investigated in accordance with the Regulations on Trade (Prohibition of Use of Statements, Expressions or Indications) (Export of Palm Oil and Palm Oil Goods) 2022.
"If convicted, the party concerned can be fined not more than RM250,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding five years," the ministry said.
IT added that firm action will be taken against retailers, wholesalers and importers who sell, distribute or import products discriminating against palm oil on the duty-free island.
The action comes following certain groups overseas campaigning for the boycott of palm oil products.
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On May 2, the ministry seized about RM900 worth of ice cream from a convenience store in Putrajaya bearing the "no palm oil" label.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani then warned traders that stern action would be taken against retailers, importers and distributors dealing in goods that discriminated against palm oil.
