Dr Wan Azizah (second right) launches the Programme to Empower the Consumer Community in conjunction with the 2018 Malaysia Day Celebration at Dewan SM Ken Hwa Keningau.— Bernama photo
KENINGAU: The people must take the trouble to understand their rights and roles as consumers to avoid becoming victims of irresponsible groups, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Dr Wan Azizah said if they understood their rights and roles as consumers, they would be able to play a role in determining the prices of goods in the market.
“This can be done if everyone of us are smart in planning and controlling our expenditure. Spend wisely and buy what you need only and make price comparison at the outlets before making any purchase,”she said.
Dr Wan Azizah said this in her speech when declaring open the Programme to Empower the Consumer Community in conjunction with the 2018 Malaysia Day Celebration here yesterday.
The event was also attended Domestic Trade and Consumerism Minister Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Deputy Chief Minister who is also Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew and Secretary-General of the Domestic Trade and Consumerism Ministry Datuk Seri Jamil Salleh.
According to Dr Wan Azizah, consumers too had to play their role as the eyes and ears of the government in delivering relevant information regarding malpractices by the businessmen.
She said the consumers could send their complaints via the various channels provided by the ministry including the WhatsApp application.
“It’s so simple, just take the photograph, type the information on the premises and just send via the Ministry’s WhatsApp (0192794317).
I was given the assurance by the Domestic Trade Ministry that action would be taken on every complaint within 24 hours,” she said.
Dr Wan Azizah said consumers should assist the government by providing information via the proper channels that had been specified as the number of officers at the Domestic Trade and Consumerism ministry was limited.
At the event, Dr Wan Azizah also launched the Food Bank Malaysia Program, a program to assist in reducing the people’s cost of living burden especially those from the low-income group.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution in his speech said the cost of living action council which had been reactivated and chaired by Dr Wan Azizah would hold its first meeting on Sept 27. — Bernama