KUALA LUMPUR – The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will continue to monitor the sale of products from Israel but cannot “boycott” the import of such items as trade is beyond its scope.
Its minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (Papar-GRS) said apart from action by the Customs Department, his ministry will also act against parties who breach the Trade Description Act 2011 for misleading their consumers.
He said this when replying to Datuk Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu-PN) who asked about follow-up measures after packs of imported medjool dates from Israel were found at various premises in Selangor and seized by customs officials two days ago.
Armizan also urged the public to lodge reports directly with the ministry through its website and hotline channels, and to not only post complaints on social media.
“We want complaints with specific details so that we know which premises to inspect. We hope for complaints with specific information instead of just ‘viraling’ the issue,” he said.
Yesterday, it was reported that customs officials had seized a total of 73 packs of ‘Organic Jumbo Medjool Dates’ originating from Israel, from three premises in Petaling Jaya and Klang.
According to reports, the total weight of the dates was 14.6kg and they were estimated to be worth RM678.
Customs Department deputy director-general (Enforcement/Compliance) Datuk Sazali Mohamad was reported as saying the dates were brought to Malaysia from Europe and declared as foodstuff, before being repackaged for sale.
In a supplementary question, Rosol asked about more such cases with other food products originating from Israel being brought to Malaysia.
Armizan said his ministry would continue to monitor items sold and reiterated the need for the public to lodge complaints with specific details.
Answering another supplementary question from Aminolhuda Hassan (Sri Gading-PH) on higher priced food sold at Ramadan bazaars, Amirzan said consumers should choose wisely when these bazaars have wide food options.
“Recently there was a case at the Ramadan bazaar in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), where a hawker sold curry puffs at an exorbitant price.
“Consumers there can choose wisely since there are also small vendors selling curry puffs for a lower price,” he said. – March 14, 2024