Photo from MTPS Sarawak shows a pack of potato chips sold at the convenience store in Kuching which is not properly labeled according to regulations.
KUCHING (Jan 2): The National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sarawak has expressed serious concerns regarding the sale of snacks at a convenience store here following complaints from parents about the unclear and potentially misleading packaging.
MTPN Sarawak chairman Wynson Ong said the complaints were in regard to the information on the labels and packaging of the snacks, which were in another language and therefore raised doubts on the safety of the products for child consumers.
“I have personally visited the convenience store where preliminary investigations found that the store indeed sells snacks with packaging designed to attract children.
“However, the information on the packaging does not meet the required standards, particularly in terms of clarity in the national language or a language understood by local consumers, as well as the verification of product safety,” he said in a statement.
He stressed that all imported food products must comply with the laws and regulations established by Malaysian authorities, including the Food Act 1983 where all imported food must meet food safety standards; and the Food Regulations 1985 which required food labels to provide information in Bahasa Melayu or a language understood by local consumers.
“Additionally, MTPN Sarawak has taken steps to engage and arrange meetings with relevant agencies to obtain further details on compliance with the labelling requirements and standards for these packaged foods,” he said.
Ong reminded all traders that it is their responsibility to ensure that all food products sold comply with the nation’s laws.
“We also urge parents and consumers to be cautious when purchasing food products, especially for children, and to promptly report any concerns to the authorities,” he said.
He said MTPN Sarawak will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that strict action is taken to protect consumer interests, particularly children, from any potential food safety risks.
MTPN Sarawak can be contacted via its hotline at 017-7109299.
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