KUALA LUMPUR: A promise has been made by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to continue monitoring the sale of dates suspected to originate from Israel, known as Israeli dates, which are reportedly available in the market, including those sold online. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that the ministry will continue to monitor using various laws, particularly the Trade Description Act 2011, to prevent these dates from reaching consumers.
He shared, “We have immediately included this issue in the standard operating procedure and terms of reference of ‘Op Pantau,’ which was specifically launched for Ramadan and Aidilfitri, to thoroughly investigate the alleged sale of Israeli dates. We seek cooperation from the entire community and encourage the public to make complaints on the ministry’s official platforms.”
This was his response to a question from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) during the Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. Rosol inquired about the government’s actions concerning the online sale of Israeli dates and whether amendments to existing laws were needed to prevent Israeli products from entering the country easily.
Armizan reiterated the seriousness with which the ministry views the issue and assured that stern action would be taken against any parties attempting to deceive consumers. He mentioned the provisions under Section 5 of the Trade Description Act 2011, which includes fines up to RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both for individual offenders, as well as fines up to RM250,000 for companies.
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department announced on Wednesday that they had seized 73 packets of dates suspected to be from Israel in a raid at a food storage warehouse in Klang, Selangor on March 12. Minister Armizan also discussed the “Op Pantau 2024” activities that were conducted during Ramadan and Aidilfitri, revealing that in just two days, the ministry had inspected 3,099 premises and recorded 11 cases, including six instances of profiteering.
In response to complaints and concerns raised about food prices at Ramadan bazaars circulating on social media, Armizan emphasized the importance of specific complaints to enable targeted investigations rather than relying on viral price posts online. He urged consumers to assert their right to choose products at reasonable prices. Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) raised the food price issue and inquired about the progress of “Op Pantau 2024.”
