The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry says it will always give priority to issues related to profiteering, counterfeit goods, weighing machines and consumer protection.

In a statement today, the ministry said because it is aware that such issues could affect consumers’ well-being and standard of living, it continuously conducts monitoring and enforcement at business premises nationwide.

Trademark owners should step forward to help the authorities detect the presence of fake goods using their brands, Minister Hasan Malek said.

“I hope trademark owners, especially of the 313 brands now registered under ‘the Basket of Brands’ (BOB) scheme, could help curb the problem of counterfeit goods in the market.

“Consumers also, if they suspect an item is fake, should report to the ministry.

“Do not resolve the matter yourself, because the authorities have their own way of prosecuting traders found to be dealing in fake goods,” he said.

The ministry said consumers should trust the authorities’ ability to resolve cases related to counterfeiting and embezzlement, pointing out that errant traders could be prosecuted under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, Weights and Measures Act 1972, Trade Descriptions Act 2011, and Consumer Protection Act 1999.

- Bernama