BUTTERWORTH, MALAYSIA: Traders have been warned not to take advantage of festive seasons to "dump" their expired or imitation goods in hampers.

State Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Lau Chiek Tuan said traders must also display the packaging and handling cost of each hamper.

"The other requirements include listing non-halal goods in hampers and ensuring that the goods are of good quality and have at least a six-month lifespan before the expiry date," he said.

Lau said those caught defying the regulations would be hauled up and compounded on the spot.

He said enforcement officers from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry would launch checks on Chinese New Year hampers sold at supermarkets, hypermarkets and retail outlets from Wednesday.

He was speaking to reporters after visiting the newly-opened Krico supermarket in Bukit Tengah, here, Tuesday.

Lau said those who defied the guidelines would be charged under the Price Control Act 1946 where they were liable to a fine not exceeding RM15,000 or a jail term of not more than two years or both.

He said five traders in Bukit Mertajam were compounded for a total of RM20,000 last year for defying the guidelines on the sale of hampers.

The ministry's state enforcement chief S. Guna Seelan said he would deploy all his enforcement strength of 106 to check on traders selling hampers.

He said his enforcement officers would also check on price-controlled items to ensure that traders, including those at wet markets, did not increase their prices indiscriminately to make quick profits.

He urged consumers to call the ministry's toll free line 1-800-886800 if they have any complaints against traders who increased the prices of controlled items.

He said the ministry would announce the list of additional controlled items for Chinese New Year next week.