Traders cashing in on GST will pay dearly – minister

RAUB: Traders caught indiscriminately raising prices of goods before and when the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is implemented can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed three years or both under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek said the ministry launched 'Ops Catut' in preparation for GST and from Jan 15 to date, 519,454 premises had been inspected nationwide.

"From the inspections, 2,617 cases of hiking prices were detected involving seizures valued at RM455,861 and a collection of RM297,316 in fines.

"In this regard, people with information on the matter can lodge complaints directly to the ministry for action to be taken," he told reporters after attending the Pahang-level Cooperative and Consumerism Carnival here yesterday.

Also present was State Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Seri Shahiruddin Ab Moin.

He was commenting on the action of some traders who were seen starting to raise prices of goods on the pretext of GST when it only comes into effect on April 1.

Hasan said the level of consumer awareness on their rights was improving and it was proven with the increasing number of complaints received by the ministry last year compared to the year before.

"Last year, we received 14,089 complaints, a rise of 19 per cent compared to 11,851 cases in 2013.

"This shows the campaign and education provided during the period has effective in promoting awareness to call 1-800-88-6800 to complaint," he said.