KOTA KINABALU: All higher learning institutes (IPT) throughout the country will have a Consumer Movement for Undergraduates (GPS).
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob said it was the ministry’s target to set up the GPS at all institutes by June.
He said the re-branding of the IPT consumer club to Gerakan Pengguna Siswa (GPS) could hopefully create awareness on consumerism issues among the IPT students.
“Hopefully through GPS, more messages can be delivered to the consumers,” he said when launching GPS, 1Malaysia Coop Product and Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia (MR1M) for higher learning institutes at Universiti Institute Teknologi Mara (UiTM) yesterday.
“We believe the involvement of IPT students can help school students on consumerism issues,” he said.
According to him, consumers were now faced with various challenges, including the price of goods, environmental pollution, safety of products and cheating cases.
“Statistics from the Insolvency Department have revealed that the younger generation are at high risks and not excluded from being bankrupt.
“Apart from that, there is a report that IPT students are involved in scams and fake investments.
“Therefore, there is a need to equip IPT students with consumerism knowledge to ensure that they are able to protect their rights as consumers.
He said 122 IPTs throughout the country had set up the GPS and the number would be increased from time to time.
During the event, the ministry presenting financial assistance worth RM3,000 each to 14 higher learning institutes in the State.
“RM1,000 from the grant will be used to set up the GPS and the balance of RM2,000 can be used to organize consumerism activities in the respective IPT,” he added.
Commenting on the MR1M, he said all institutions of higher learning
would have at least a cafeteria offering the 1Malaysia People’s Menu by April.
He said at the moment, 143 cafeterias in 40 higher learning institutions are taking part in the programme, adding that the programme was to help ease the burden of the students.
He also said the 1Malaysia People’s Shop (KR1M) would be expanded to Sabah and Sarawak from June, and would have the same price with their counterparts in Peninsular.
The products are daily household items, brands that are produced by local cooperatives and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These products are packed and distributed by Felda Trading Sdn Bhd.
Earlier in his speech, Ismail said awareness among consumers in the country was still at a moderate level.
He said due to this, consumers are blaming the government for not protecting the consumers’ rights.
He said to create awareness, the people have to know their rights and several laws had been drafted to protect them.
“Among them were the Consumer Protection Act, Consumer Tribunal and Trade Descriptions Act,” he added.
“It actually depends on consumers to make the right choice. They should know their rights as consumers,” he said.