Cheap sales will only be allowed if more than 70 per cent of the goods at the premises are offered discounts, according to the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK).

In a statement on Wednesday, KPDNKK said regulations pertaining to cheap sales had been misconstrued by some quarters by saying that sale would only be allowed if they offered a 70 discount.

KPDNKK also said that the cheap sale must not exceed 30 days except for the gazetted date of 1Malaysia GP Sale, 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival and the 1Malaysia Year End Sale.

"Traders are not allowed to hold a continuous cheap sale, in which they have to stop for 14 days before starting the next sale," the statement said.

Each trader who wants to hold a cheap sale has to get approval from the ministry while the registration number of deals, the date of sale and the logo of ministry shall be carried in any advertising.

Traders can apply for a notice of cheap sale online via njm.kpdnkk.gov.my.

Traders must also display the old and new price list of items at places that can be easily seen.

It said companies which violated the Trade Description (Cheap Sale Price) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 for the first time could be fined up to RM100,000, and RM200,000 for a subsequent offence, and so on.

While individuals who flout the regulations can be fined not more RM50,000 or jail three years' or both while for the second offence can be fined not more RM100,000 or five years' jail.