KUALA LUMPUR: A private hospital in the city centre has been slapped with a RM200,000 compound for profiteering on face masks.
The hospital was compounded for charging RM11.20 for three-ply masks, which carry a ceiling price of RM1.50 each, following claims by a man who took to social media to complain that he was charged RM201.60 for 18 face masks used in the treatment of his daughter.
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry said the compound was issued on May 13 immediately after its enforcement team conducted a spot check following the viral complaint.
"The hospital's management was quizzed. The raiding team also confiscated a number of documents, including face masks implicated, in the complaint for investigations."
The ministry said the hospital committed an offence under Section 18 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act of 2011 related to selling price-controlled goods above the ceiling price.
It was learnt that if the hospital misses settling the sum by the May 27 deadline, it will be hauled to court.
The penalty for companies which commit this offence is not more than RM500,000. Subsequent offences carry a maximum fine of RM1 million.
"The ministry is serious in making sure that face mask supplies are ample, easily available and sold at prices not exceeding the ceiling rate.
"All parties selling price-controlled goods have been told to be attentive and adhere to all rules and regulations that the government has set."
The ministry further called on the public to channel information about suspicious activities related to the sale of goods as well as profiteering to its numerous complaints lines.
Complaints can be made through its e-complaint portals http://eaduan.kpdnhep.gov.my, it's hotline 1 800 886 800, email e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my and Ez Adu KPDNHEP application.
They may also call it's enforcement operations at 03-8882 6088/6245 or WhatsaApp them at 019- 279 4317.