The Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) in the Ministry of Finance and Economy through the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs has recorded a 4.8% increase in the rate of compliance with the Price Control Act for the first six months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. Businesses are encouraged to maintain a high level of compliance with the relevant price control laws.

The period from January to June 2019 has seen a total decrease of 63 offences comprising of 23 compounds and 40 warning notices compared to 89 offences recorded in the first six months of 2018. Amongst the most common offences recorded include selling cooking oil above the maximum prices and not displaying prices on items for sale.

Businesses are advised to always adhere to the Price Control Act and its regulations by ensuring that controlled items are not sold above the maximum prices set by JPKE and other relevant sector regulators, as well as prices of goods are clearly displayed, in order to uphold consumer welfare.

JPKE conducted a nationwide daily routine inspections under the Price Control Act in an effort to ensure that businesses comply with the Act and its regulations such as display of prices regulations and cheap sale price regulations to encourage ethical sale activities.

Businesses are reminded of the benefits of practising self-compliance with the Price Control Act and its regulations which include to create and maintain a good business reputation and enhance consumer loyalty that will lead to building a more sustainable domestic consumption and vibrant business environment in Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Businesses are also encouraged to practice healthy competition by offering competitive prices not exceeding the maximum prices set for the eleven (11) items listed under the Price Control Act including cooking oil and powdered infant milk. Meanwhile, prices for goods not included in the Price Control Act are subject to the market forces of demand and supply.

It is important for businesses to take appropriate measures to ensure that they comply with the Price Control Act and its regulations. Repeated offences can be issued a compound of not more than $1,000. For subsequent offences, a maximum fine of $20,000 and imprisonment of up to 5 years by the court, can be issued.

JPKE would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to practice the concept of “Smart Consumer” in their spending by comparing prices before making any purchase transaction to get the best value for money. The public can download the PenggunaBijak / SmartConsumer mobile application that have the functions of amongst others, price comparison for selected daily necessities, a list of businesses offering sales and discounts, as well as an updated list of maximum prices for price controlled items under the Price Control Act.

For more information on matters relating to price control, the public can contact the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs at:

• 2230223 (office hours)
• Consumer hotline: Talian Darussalam 123
• Mobile application: PenggunaBijak / SmartConsumer
• Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
• Website: www.depd.gov.bn/cad
• Facebook group: AduanPenggunaJPKE
• Walk-in:

Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs

Department of Economic Planning and Development

Room 3.06, Level 3, West Wing

Block 2A, Ong Sum Ping Road, BA1131

Negara Brunei Darussalam

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect

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