Consumers at 'moderate level' on awareness when making purchases

 

PARLIAMENT | Malaysian consumers are at a “moderate level” in terms of their awareness when making purchases.

According to Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh, citing a study, Malaysian consumer abilities are at 63.1 percent.

“Their score for purchasing decisions is at 68,8 percent, financial literacy at 62.5 percent and ability to lodge complaints and get refunds at 56.1 percent.

“It is based on these important factors, the ministry plans to improve the National Consumer Policy.

“A study has been conducted and is expected to be completed in 2023,” Fuziah told the Dewan Rakyat today.

She was responding to Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee on whether the ministry will review consumerism policies especially the National Consumer Policy since the ministry's focus areas now include the cost of living.

Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh

Fuziah said the ministry wanted all Malaysian consumers to be aware of their rights.

“Consumers aware of their rights know the price and expiry dates of goods and have the right whether to choose to buy it or not.

“To be brave to act means that the consumer has the courage and the self-identity to lodge a complaint if their rights are denied, as well as the courage to claim damages through the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia,” she said.

The senator also called on Malaysian consumer associations to not only act as a pressure group but to educate consumers.

From a cost of living perspective, the ministry wants consumers to play a role in the supply and demand of goods.

“Consumers are able to choose to not buy a product if they disagree with its price. With that, they hold the power to determine the price of goods with the supply and demand concept,” Fuziah said. - Mkini