Two more companies in Kelantan to be charged over alleged profiteering

KOTA BAHARU: The Kelantan office of the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry will take two more companies to court for failing to respond to a notice issued over alleged profiteering.

Its director Datuk Ab Ghani Harun said the two companies operating in Kota Baharu had been issued with the notice which they should reply to within three days, but failed to do so.

“They will have to face court action soon,” he told reporters, here, yesterday.

Ab Ghani said stern action was necessary against irresponsible traders and companies to prevent them from taking advantage of consumers following the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax ( GST) since April 1.

He advised traders issued with the notice under Section 21 of the Price Control and AntiProfiteering Act 2011 to respond to it within the set period of three days to avoid being fined up to RM250,000 if convicted.

He said up to Wednesday, 123 notices were issued following inspections at 6,877 business premises throughout Kelantan.

“Out of this number, 78 notices were issued to traders in Kota Baharu, 15 in Kuala Krai, 11 in Gua Musang, 10 in Tanah Merah and nine in Pasir Mas,” he said.

Yesterday, Happy Home Superstore Sdn Bhd in Pasir Puteh had to face the court for allegedly committing an offence under the Price Control and AntiProfiteering Act 2011.

One of its directors, Ooi See Hoe who represented the company at the Sessions Court, here, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out to him before judge Mohd Yusoff Yunus. — Bernama