GM Klang denies infection at its wholesale mart

SHAH ALAM: GM Klang wholesale city management denied any existence of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection at its shopping mall as viralled on social media.

A statement issued by its Corporate Communications and Public Relations Department yesterday stated the rumour was believed to have been triggered following an announcement by the customer service division, which advised its patrons to take preventive measures, as recommended by the Ministry of Health, against the disease.

“The good intention was misunderstood by some who thought the announcement was made because of a coronavirus case in GM Klang.

“The false information that was created and disseminated by irresponsible parties has caused anxiety and fear among many people.”

It said the management viewed the dissemination of such false information seriously as it has tarnished its credibility and disrupted business activities at the mall.

It said a report has been lodged with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for action to be taken against those responsible for spreading the fake news.

“We urge members of the public to exercise good judgment and caution prior to sharing any information that has not been verified.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs announced that it will take action against traders making unreasonable profits due to the virus outbreak.

Since Jan 25, the ministry’s enforcement team had been conducting spot checks on premises selling face masks, including pharmacies, vendors and manufacturers.

The ministry’s deputy secretary-general Dr Alauddin Sidal said since the start of the operations his officers had meted out compound fines amounting to RM21,700, charged nine businesses according to the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, inspected 1,314 premises nationwide and confiscated face masks valued at RM3,475.

In Johor, two pharmacies located in Kulai and Johor Baru were slapped with compound fines and charged under Section 11 of the same Act. – Bernama

– BERNAMAPIX Workers packing face masks at the Cross Protection (M) Sdn Bhd factory in Meru, Klang yesterday. The plant has been instructed to boost production from 400,000 pieces to 500,000 a day to meet increased demand.