Next consumer affairs minister must champion people, not self, says Fomca

 

Just carrying out checks on retail outlets is not enough, says Fomca. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The next consumer affairs minister should learn what the people go through and not just conduct checks at retail outlets with the media in tow, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Its president, N Marimuthu, said the old style of showing more form than substance must stop as the people can see through such media stunts.

He said it was obvious this ministry would be among those with a vital role in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet as his immediate focus was to bring down the cost of living.

“Therefore, whoever holds the portfolio must work closely with the state authorities to ensure prices of goods are monitored and any action against profiteers must be prompt. For this, all state enforcement teams must be beefed up.

N Marimuthu.

“The minister will need qualified and experienced technocrats to plan and come up with ideas to overcome cost of living issues,” he told FMT.

Marimuthu said that in the past, the ministry was more focused on issuing statements with a marked lack of enforcement on errant traders or hoarders.

He said the government should also take consumer movements seriously as they were on the ground and received complaints on price hikes that at times led to shortages.

He also wanted the new minister to engage with consumer associations on a quarterly basis at least so they could give accurate feedback. - FMT