The domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry (KPDNHEP) is currently investigating the reselling of the NFC-enabled Enhanced Touch ‘n Go (TnG) cards by online traders, which have been reported to fetch prices higher than its recommended retail value. The card itself has been greatly sought after due to limited supply since its debut back in April this year.
Officially, these are made available to Malaysians through TnG Hubs at Bangsar South and Nu Sentral, the official TnG mobile app, as well as selected petrol stations nationwide. Prior to this, the company has issued notices urging customers to only purchase the NFC cards through its official channels and avoid dealing with scalpers. TnG also recently imposed a restriction which limits its acquisition to only one unit per individual in order to curb potential reselling.
In a statement today, KPDNHEP minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi revealed that the ministry’s Enforcement Division has received four official complaints on the matter and detected 13 card sales advertisements involving several online platforms. In addition, its preliminary investigations also discovered that the marked-up sales of Enhanced TnG cards involved petrol station employees in charge of cashier services. “The individuals were found to be selling Touch ‘n Go NFC cards that originally cost RM10 each without any credit on [them] at a rate of more than five times through the online market platforms,” he said.
The minister revealed that a total of 11 premises, including those registered under private residences and business buildings, were inspected in relation to the case. Further, six notices have been issued to involved parties, requiring them to submit an official response or explanation to KPDNHEP’s Enforcement Division. Linggi says failure to comply will subject those involved to action in accordance with Section 21 (5) of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 for refusing to provide any feedback.
The ministry is expected to hold a meeting with Touch ‘n Go this week, the minister added. Through this, KPDNHEP will discuss with the company regarding the methods used for the sale of the cards, as well as following up on the status of its supply.
(Source: Bernama)
