KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 14 durian stalls were inspected as part of operations dubbed ‘Ops Duri’, conducted from May to July this year, says Mohd Sabri Seman, director of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry Kuala Lumpur branch.
He said that this number includes inspections at three premises located around Jalan Mergastua, Kepong Baru, conducted on Monday (July 31).
"This year, we received four complaints regarding issues such as failure to display price tags, misleading advertisements, and online businesses selling durians. However, no cases have been substantiated yet,” he informed reporters.
He noted that, from 2018 to the present, a total of 37 inspections (including today’s three) have been conducted in the capital.
Today's inspection, by the Kuala Lumpur Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement team, focused on ensuring compliance with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, the Weights and Measures Act 1972, the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, and the Consumer Protection Act 1999.
Every year, from May to July, there is a surge in durian fruit sales at stalls and premises throughout Kuala Lumpur. While the capital city itself does not produce the ‘king of fruit,’ the high demand from urban consumers drives sellers to offer various promotions to attract interest.
Despite the popularity, there have been complaints alleging that some vendors exploit customers by failing to display price tags, falsifying weighing scales, or making deceptive or misleading advertisements.
In response, the Kuala Lumpur Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has taken proactive measures, by conducting inspections and making announcements, to ensure that durian sellers operate transparently and adhere to the legislation enforced by the Ministry.
Meanwhile, Mohd Sabri said that a total of 57 cases were recorded for price-related offences, under the Price Control and Anti Profiteering Act 2011, for this year, with a total of RM16,400 in fines.
He said for offences related to weighing scales under the Weights and Measures Act 1972, the KPDN recorded a total of 64 cases, totalling RM21,000. - Bernama
