Traders who charge for packaging to be fined

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will fine traders who charge consumers for bags, wrappers and other packing materials, Chairman CAA, Rumi Marzook said.

The CAA has carried out raids on many supermarkets following complaints by consumers that they have been charged for shopping bags.

Under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No 10/1 of 2003 traders cannot charge consumers for bags, wrappers and packing material.

Asked what action would the CAA take against traders who violate the law, officials of the Ministry of Trade said that they would only act on complaints as the courts determine the penalty.

Trade Ministry officials said charges for bags and wrappers are added to the price of the commodity and that traders cannot charge an extra fee from consumers.

The CAA has come under increasing pressure in the recent past for being slow in taking action against traders selling rice at higher prices.

Meanwhile, 15 samples of Munchee products tested at the Health Science Authority in Singapore had proved that they do not contain melamine.

Samples of Munchee biscuits were sent to Singapore by the Health Ministry following a global report that included one of its brands in the list of melamine contaminated products.

Questions were also raised as to why only Munchee Lemon Puff was withdrawn from the list of melamine contaminated items before conducting a test. The Health Ministry withdrew the brand within a short time from the list of 60 food products that contained melamine. LF