By Opalyn Mok, The Sun

July 21, 2010

GEORGE TOWN (July 20, 2010): Four hundred online businessmen have been charged in court for not registering their business with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) in the past two years.

Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim said they were charged under Section 12 (1) (a) of the Registration of Businesses Act 1956 (Amendment 2001) which carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years.

He said individuals or companies conducting online business were not exempted from registering themselves to prevent fraud.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is monitoring online business to detect individuals and companies which conduct business illegally, he told reporters after opening a dialog on business ethical practices here today.

"Businessmen should be aware of their responsibility and code of ethics and should not victimise consumers," he said. – Bernama