The Penang Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Office (PPDNKK) has warned mutton sellers in the state to refrain from mixing mutton with beef or imported mutton when selling to buyers.

Its chief enforcement officer, M Guna Selan said, they had received complaints from the public that mutton sellers were mixing meat of mutton with beef to make profits.

He said local mutton was priced between RM33 and RM35 while imported mutton retailed for between RM24 and RM25.

“We hope mutton sellers don’t take advantage of the situation to reap profits by mixing the meats following increased demands for Deepavali,” he told Bernama after surveying the Chowrasta Market in George Town today.

He said today’s survey found that mutton sellers at several markets in the state combined local mutton with beef or imported mutton.

    

“The PPDNKK with cooperation from the Penang Veterinary Services Department will continue to check and monitor all markets in Penang after receiving complaints from consumers on the matter,” he said.

Guna said those found guilty of selling mutton that has been mixed with other meat can be punished under the Trade Descriptions Act 1972.

“They (traders) can be fined RM100,000 or a jail sentence of three years, or both,” he added.

- Bernama