KUALA LUMPUR: The public should lodge complaints with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry if they find any Israeli-made products being sold in the Malaysian market, says minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (pic).

       Aside from monitoring prices of goods under its “Ops Pantau”, Armizan said the ministry is also checking for Israeli products in the market in the same operation.

       He said this following recent reports where dates from Israel were found to be sold in Malaysia.

       ALSO READ: Domestic Trade Ministry monitoring sale of Israeli dates here, says Armizan

       “We have included this (selling Israeli products in Malaysia) into the standard operating procedure (SOP) and the terms and conditions of Ops Pantau which we launched specifically for the Ramadan month and Hari Raya.

       “We will look into the details regarding (reports saying) more Israeli dates being sold here and we hope that the public will cooperate by lodging reports at any of our (the ministry’s) social media platforms,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today (March 14).

       ALSO READ: Dates from Israel, egg subsidy in focus at Dewan Rakyat today

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       Armizan was replying to Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) who asked about the ministry’s action following reports that dates originating from Israel are being sold in Malaysia.

       Malaysia and Israel have no formal diplomatic ties. Israeli citizens, products and services are banned from entering Malaysia.

       However, the Customs Department yesterday (March 13) revealed that it had seized “Organic Jumbo Medjool Dates”that were brought from Israel to Malaysia at three different locations on March 12.

       ALSO READ: QuickCheck: Were dates from Israel seized by Malaysian authorities recently?

       This was after the department was notified of social media postings on Monday by netizens claiming that repackaged Israeli dates were being sold in Malaysia.

       The Customs Department said the dates were sold through a local organic food company at one location in Petaling Jaya and two in Klang.

       While the Customs Department’s action was laudable, Rosol at the same time urged Armizan to ensure the ministry will be thorough in its monitoring, adding that it should also check online shopping platforms.

       “We share your concerns and we will continue to monitor. We will ensure no dates from Israel are being distributed and offered to consumers,” Armizan replied.