KUCHING: Malaysians have to change their negative perception towards local products, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPNDHEP) Deputy Minister Chong Chieng Jen.
He said that a survey conducted by the ministry showed about 70 per cent of Malaysians are aware of the Buy Malaysian Products campaign but only 40 per cent of them are attracted to the products.
“Sixty per cent of respondents still have the perception that local products are sub-standard compared to imported goods.
“It is a misperception as our local products are not just cheap but are also of high quality. Not all locally made products are sub-standard,” he assured when declaring open a Buy Malaysian Products Campaign Carnival and Hawker’s Day Celebration at MJC, Batu Kawah here on Friday night.
Chong stressed that every year, the country exported billions of ringgit worth of local manufactured goods.
“In China, they are looking to Malaysian products because to them, Malaysian products are associated with quality.”
He noted that the manufacturing industry contributed about 38 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Oil and gas only contribute about 8 per cent while the services sector contributes 60 per cent.
Hence in Malaysia, we have the talent to not only manufacture quality goods for export, but also provide services to our own people.
The Stampin MP stated, “The Young Entrepreneur programme organised by the Malaysia Companies Commission (MCC) which is part of the three-day carnival here aimed to inculcate youths’ interest towards the entrepreneurship field.
“This is to enable them to become entrepreneurs after graduating. Do not just focus on being a worker but instead be your own boss and create job opportunities for others.”
Chong assured that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs’ main priority is to create good business environment where there is fair and healthy competition for traders and hawkers.
The three-day carnival showcases various products by local entrepreneurs, nightly performances, lucky draws and activities for members of the public.
During the ceremony, MCC presented donations totaling RM24,000 to 120 non-Muslim students and another RM20,000 to needy Muslim students under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The commission also donated RM3,000 to Surau Darul Imtiyaz SMK Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Ghapor.
Among those present at the ceremony were Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong Wui Wui, Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei, MCC chief executive officer Dr Azman Hussin, KPDNHEP (Domestic Trade) deputy secretary-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd, KPDNHEP Sarawak director Datuk Stanley Tan and Hawkers and Small Traders Association president Mohd Ariffin Abdullah.
