PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry seized 5,801 squishy toys worth RM70,428 nationwide for failing to display the Safety Compliance Mark.
Ministry enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam said the seizures were made through 15 enforcement actions during a nationwide inspection from Oct 1 to 14.
"A total of 1,845 premises were inspected, involving manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers.
"The ministry views child toy safety seriously and will not compromise with any party that fails to comply with regulations under the Consumer Protection Act 1999," he said in a statement today.
He said the public, particularly parents, should check labels and safety compliance marks before buying toys for their children.
Consumers with information on the sale of suspicious toys can lodge complaints via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000 or 019-279 4317, through the ministry's e-Aduan portal at e-aduan.kpdn.gov.my, via the call centre at 1-800-886-800, or through the Ez ADU smartphone app.
In an unrelated case, Azman said a trader was fined RM1,000 by the Putrajaya magistrate's court on Thursday after pleading guilty to misleading representation in an advertisement.
The ministry had received a complaint from a customer who received a jubah instead of the advertised baju kurung.
"Following the incident on Feb 27, 2024, an investigation was carried out, which led to the individual's prosecution in court," he said.
The trader was charged under Section 10(1)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and sentenced under Section 25(1)(b) of the same Act. The fine was paid.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd