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Published: Monday October 22, 2012 MYT 8:34:00 PM
Updated: Monday October 22, 2012 MYT 9:32:35 PM

Ismail Sabri: RM5,000 fine, 3 years jail for misleading ads


KUALA LUMPUR: Consumers will get greater protection against misleading or false advertisements in print and electronic media with the enforcement of the recent amendment to the Consumer Protection Act 1999 from Jan 1 next year.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob said those found to have put up misleading or false ads in terms of quantity, quality, price, effectiveness and availability of products could be fined up to RM5,000 or jailed up to three years.

He said on the other hand, an organisation would be fined up to RM100,000 for the first offence and up to RM200,000 for a second and subsequent offence.

Speaking to reporters after launching a guideline against false and misleading ads here, he said the handbook was prepared by a committee following an amendment to the Consumer Protection Act 1999 approved in Parliament, recently.

He said the committee, which was assisted by the Health Ministry, the Home Ministry and Works Ministry, and academicians, was chaired by Yayasan Sumber Maklumat chief executive officer Dr Zuraidi Ishak.

"We have received 38 complaints on misleading and false ads. Those related to health products will be forwarded to the Health Ministry for further action.

"As for us, we are cracking down on misleading adds or services which were intended to deceive consumers," said Ismail Sabri. He said the handbook, which was distributed to the public today, would regulate advertisers comprising manufacturers, service providers, ad agencies who disseminated ads through print, broadcast or electronic media.

He said among claims prohibited were healing of chronic diseases and unethical use of halal logo. - Bernama

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