JOHOR BARU: Eighteen poultry traders and suppliers have been issued with compound notices under Ops Pantau for selling chicken at prices more expensive than the government-set ceiling price.

       Speaking on the operation, Johor Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry director Mohd Hairul Anuar Bohro said the department conducted 2,900 inspections and surveillance from Feb 5 until Thursday (April 7) following complaints from the public about the matter.

       “The inspection was conducted on all public markets and supermarkets to ensure every link in the market's chain from the suppliers to the traders is selling the chicken at the allowed price," said Mohd Hairul

       “A total of 48 suppliers and 2,852 traders were inspected and from that, we have issued 61 compound notices under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 with compounds amounting to RM40,000,” he added in a statement on Thursday.

       He added that of the 61 compound notices, 18 were issued for selling chicken beyond the government’s ceiling price, 41 were issued for failure to display pink price tags on their items, and two were for failing to display price tags.

       Mohd Hairul also shared that a total of 60 notices were also issued under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 to conduct an investigation if there were any price hike activities occurring.

       "If convicted, traders can be fined up to RM500,000 for a corporation or company, while non-corporations or individuals can be fined up to RM100,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding three years, or both," he said.

       Consumers can channel information on complaints related to the misconduct of traders who violate the law under the jurisdiction of KPDNHEP through the complaint channel provided by the ministry, such as by calling 1-800-886-800 or via WhatsApp at 019-279 4317.