KUALA LUMPUR: The Control of Supplies (Amendment) Bill 2021, which will give Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry officers the power to make arrests without a warrant and sell certain types of seized controlled goods, will be tabled in this current Dewan Rakyat sitting, says its minister.

       Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the Bill, which seeks to beef up the Control of Supplies Act 1961, consists of one section dealing with an amendment to Section 10 of the Act and also the introduction of three new sections.

       “The Bill consists of an amendment on Section 10 to extend the power to officers to make an arrest without warrant on a person suspected to have committed an offence under the Control of Supplies Act.

       “The Bill will also see the introduction of Section 12A, intended to provide supply officers with the power to sell controlled goods that are perishable, flammable or requiring high-cost care.

       “Section 12B, which is to exclude claims against the government by any party in respect of the goods seized, unless the seizure was made without reasonable cause, will also be introduced.

       “A new Section 25A is intended to allow sampling while conducting inspections and analysis of seized controlled items,” he added.

       He said the improvement to the Control of Supplies Act would enable the investigation and prosecution of cases involving the misappropriation of controlled items to be done more effectively.

       Through constantly updated and improved legislation and enforcement actions, commercial crime activities can be reduced and in turn, ensure the existence of essential basic goods in the market.

       Nanta also said that the Direct Sales and Anti-Pyramid Scheme Act 1993 will be amended as well to expand the scope of direct selling in an effort to promote good direct sales practices in Malaysia.