As goods such as face masks, personal hygiene and protection items are considered as basic necessities during this pandemic situation, the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office reminded businesses to sell the items at an appropriate and affordable prices and NOT TO hike the prices.

The Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, JPES, will instruct any businesses to forward information and justification on price increase for the items if the retail prices are deemed too high and unreasonable. Businesses are advised to consider temporary measures such as rationing the purchase of goods to ensure adequate supply and for the public to get it easily. JPES seeks businesses continuous cooperation in providing accurate information on prices and stocks. Whoever, being legally bound to furnish information on any subject to any public servant, as such, furnishes, as true, information on the subject which he knows or has reason to believe to be false, shall be punished under Chapter 177 of the Penal Code with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, fine not exceeding 4 thousand dollar or both.

Any issue and consumer affairs related to unethical business conduct, contact JPES through Talian Darussalam 123 or Whatsapp to 833 3123. Consumer complaint can also be directed through PenggunaBijak app or email to ‘aduanpengguna@jpes.gov.bn’.

Source: Radio Television Brunei