JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has issued 12 notices to businesses in Johor for hiking up the price of chicken.

       The ministry's Johor director Mohd Hairul Anuar Bohro said the notices were issued following checks at markets, farmers' markets and hypermarkets state-wide from Wednesday (Sept 8).

       "The notices were issued to four chicken farmers, four suppliers and four traders under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. They will be investigated for profiteering.

       "About 200 of our staffmembers will continue conducting checks to look out for any price hikes or profiteering," he said on Thursday (Sept 9).

       He added that he said 10,165 premises were checked from Jan 1 to Sept 8, which included 8,667 retailers, 1,195 suppliers and 303 factories in the state.

       A total of 118 notices were issued to traders, he said.

       He added that individuals found guilty of profiteering can be punished under Section 14 of the Act and face a maximum fine of RM100,000, or imprisonment not more than three years, or both, upon conviction.

       Repeat offenders face a fine of up to RM250,000, or jail time of up to five years, or both.

       Companies face a fine of up to RM500,000 and up to RM1mil for a repeat offence.

       Mohd Hairul Anuar said consumers can channel their complaints to the ministry via email to e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my, WhatsApp to 019-2794 317 or call 1-800 886 800.