PETALING JAYA: Domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry enforcement director Azman Adam said in addition to cinemas, the ministry’s 2,200 enforcement officers would also conduct spot checks at shops, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, airports and school canteens across the country based on their schedules and public complaints, and actions would be taken against those raising their prices excessively for profit.

Golden Screen Cinemas was recently fined RM45,000 for selling mineral water and potato chips at exorbitant prices.

Replying to a question from Sin Chew Daily, Azman said the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry had been authorized by the government under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 to conduct checks at shopping malls, grocery stores, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, school canteens and other venues to make sure businesses do not overprice their products for profit.

He hoped members of the public would lodge complaints against any business suspected of inappropriate profiteering acts.

He said before deciding whether a business is profiteering, the ministry would study several factors, including production, transportation and operating costs, rents, labor and marketing costs, among others.

Meanwhile, Azman also reminded local businesses that misleading and exaggerated advertisements are prohibited by the government, and members of the public are urged to report any violating business to the authorities to facilitate investigation.