Reload card ‘sharks’ risk facing hefty fines

SIBU: Traders risk paying hefty fines if they impose additional charges on mobile prepaid reload cards.

According to Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism ( KPDNKK) Sibu branch chief Kasim Mana, reload card sellers cannot charge more than the amount stated as this constitutes an offence under Consumer Protection Act 1999.

“For an individual offender, the minimum fine is RM1,000 and the maximum fi ne RM50,000 upon conviction, whereas for a corporate body, the minimum fine is RM2,000 and the maximum up to RM100,000.”

Kasim was asked yesterday if action could be taken against those imposing additional charges upon reload coupons – an additional 50 sen, for instance, for every RM5 prepaid reload card.

He disclosed that there were no cases taken up so far this year.

In this regard, he advised consumers to bring along receipts to lodge a complaint if they were charged more than the stated price.

“If you are being overcharged, bring along the receipt to our office and we will investigate and take the necessary actions,” he said.

Separately, Kasim said as part of the ministry’s omnipresent programme, they were checking on major shopping complexes and

For an individual offender, the minimum fine is RM1,000 and the maximum fine RM50,000 upon conviction, whereas for a corporate body, the minimum fine is RM2,000 and the maximum up to RM100,000. Kasim Mana, KPDNKK Sibu branch chief

marketplace. He said KPDNKK Sibu enforcement teams checked on essential items to ensure that traders did not overprice to fleece consumers.

The officers also checked on the authenticity of cheap sales rolled out by supermarkets, hypermarkets, boutiques, shoes galleries and eyewear shops.

These ‘cheap sales’ are for the ‘ Early Year’ campaign running from March 1 till 31. On this, he reminded that the cheap sale permits must be conspicuously displayed.

Traders are to ensure not less than 50 per cent of the items at their premises are put on sale when rolling out a cheap sale promotion, and minimum discount of not less than 10 per cent of the previous offer price.

For enquiries, call the ministry’s hotline 1- 800- 886- 800 or office number 084-329202. Alternatively, lodge complaints via e- aduan@ kpdnkk.gov.my.