Touch ‘n Go (TnG)’s near-field communication (NFC) enabled cards have been a hit among Malaysians for the convenience they brought about. These cards were reportedly sold out within hours when they first launched.
Despite a few months having passed, the demand for these cards remained strong. Meanwhile, scalpers have taken advantage of the situation and resold these new cards at a 800% mark up!
Responding to the matter, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry said they have received several complaints over the matter and an investigation will be launched.
According to Bernama, its minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said these TnG NFC cards were originally sold at RM10 at selected petrol stations or through online transactions using the TnG application. However, these 2 channels have reportedly experienced limited supply since April this year.
He revealed that his ministry had received four official complaints on the matter and detected 13 card sales advertisements involving several online platforms.
The preliminary investigations found that the sale of NFC TnG cards (on the online platforms) also involved employees at the payment counter of a petrol station.
“The individuals were found to be selling TnG NFC cards that originally cost RM10 each without any credit on it at a rate of more than five times through the online market platforms,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nanta said the ministry have obtained information from managers of the online market platforms and a total of 11 premises including private residences and business buildings were inspected in relation to the case.
As of now, 6 notices in accordance with Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Akhap 2011) had been issued to the parties involved.
They are also required to submit an official response or explanation to the ministry’s Enforcement Division.
“If they fail to do so, the parties involved may be subject to action according to Section 21(5) of Akhap 2011 for refusing or failing to submit feedback,” he said.
Apart from the enforcement work, Nanta said the ministry will hold a meeting with TnG to obtain the status of current sale methods for the TnG NFC cards as well as the status of the card supply shortage.
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