THE Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) wants the authorities to constantly keep an eye on market traders to ensure they do not cheat customers by using faulty or inaccurate weighing scales. 

Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said discrepancies in weighing scales were discovered in a recent survey conducted at all wet markets in Penang. 

CAP had found that some of the weighing scales had their calibration stickers obscured, preventing consumers from checking the accuracy of the scales.  

“Besides the calibration sticker issue, we also found that the weighing scales used by most traders are less than satisfactory as the indicator of the dial does not start from zero and sometimes the dirty transparent plastic dial makes the reading of the dial difficult,” he said in a statement. 

He urged traders to send their weighing scales for annual recalibration in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act 1972.  

He added that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry should seriously consider printing the year of calibration in large letters on the calibration sticker for easier reading.  

“They should also be reminded that the side of the weighing scale with the calibration sticker should be clearly displayed, facing the consumers. 

 “The ministry should also ensure that every market has two weighing scales (one of which is meant for halal items) for consumers to verify the weight of their goods if they have any doubts.  

“Numbers to contact should also be listed so that consumers can call if they have any complaints such as short-weight, price hike of essential items, or unhealthy business practices,” he added. – March 16, 2023.