It would appear that the enforcement division at the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry (KPDNHEP) are still using Internet Explorer as the lagging browser has finally loaded at their office and theyâve discovered that certain parties are scalping the Touch ân Go (TnG) Enhanced NFC Card online at exorbitant prices.
A report by Bernama states that the ministry will be taking action against those parties reselling the cards for a profit online. The cards officially went on sale in April this year and are officially priced at RM 10. You are supposedly able to buy them via the TnG e-wallet app or at selected petrol stations but supply has been almost non-existent.
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Both avenues to purchase the card have experienced supply chain issues, allowing scalpers to resell the card at prices above RM 100 online.
According to minister of domestic trade and consumer affairs Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, KPDNHEPâs enforcement division has received 4 official complaints and discovered 13 ads online by scalpers.
Once again, we strongly suggest they switch browsers because thereâs definitely more than 13 ads online on various platforms.
Unsurprisingly, the preliminary investigations revealed that petrol station employees manning the counters are involved in the scalping.
âThe 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,â he said via a statement.
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The enforcement division detected 11 premises that were inspected in relation to the case and 6 notices were issued under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (AKHAP) 2011.
The parties served are required to submit official replies to the ministry to explain their actions, failing which theyâll be subjected to action under Section 21(5) of AKHAP 2011 for refusing to submit feedback.
Moving forward, the ministry is expected to hold a discussion with TnG this week to regarding the retail options for the card as well as the pertinent question of why thereâs been a deficit in supply.
Producing NFC cards is an easy endeavour and therefore shouldnât be an issue.
If youâre looking to purchase a NFC TnG card now, options are limited. The only available avenue now is the a limited edition United Voice card that consists of 10 designs, each featuring artwork from a United Voice artist. Production is limited to just 4,000 units and are priced at RM 25.
Unfortunately, theyâre only available at the TnG art exhibition at Nu Sentral thatâs ongoing and ends on 5 October 2022. Each person is limited to just 2 cards only.