An executive director was brought before the Ipoh Sessions Court on Tuesday for selling bottled cooking oil at prices exceeding the regulated limit at his company’s mini market.
The accused, 43-year-old J. Shanker, serving as the Director of Mini Market Desa Rishah Sdn Bhd, was charged with the offense at No. 1 and 3, Jalan Klebang Ria 3, Taman Klebang Ria, Chemor, at 12.30 pm on April 17, 2024.
He allegedly sold or offered to sell a controlled item—2 kg bottled cooking oil—at prices higher than those set by the Price Controller under Sections 4, 5, or 7 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
This act constitutes an offense under Section 11 of the same law, which carries penalties under Section 18(b). Upon conviction, an offender may be fined up to RM100,000, imprisoned for up to three years, or both. For subsequent offenses, the fine may rise to RM200,000, imprisonment up to five years, or both.
According to the case facts, on April 17, 2024, a team of Assistant Supply Officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in Perak inspected the mini market. The inspection revealed that the 2 kg bottled cooking oil was being sold at RM13.90, exceeding the price set by the Price Controller.
The accused pleaded guilty after the charges were read to him.
Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamad sentenced J. Shanker to a RM5,000 fine with one surety or five days’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid. The proceeds from the cooking oil sales, amounting to RM485.85, were confiscated and handed over to the Malaysian government.
The prosecution was handled by KPDN Perak officer N. Shamani, while the accused was represented by lawyer Ahmad Shamil Azad Abdul Hamid.
