Wednesday, March 26, 2008
rtm : Consumer Associations give strong support of Datuk Shahrir statement
Author: Wan Su
Date: 26/03/2008
Kuala Lumpur - Consumer Associations have come out in strong support of a statement by newly appointed Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Minister, Datuk Shahrir Samad that the government might open the market for essential goods to prevent manipulation by traders and ensure supply and fair price.
They want the government to stabilize the price of goods and maintain control over stockpiles to protect consumers.
Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (FOMCA) Secretary General, Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said the move would create competition between local and foreign producers.
He said under the ASEAN Free Trade Area, (AFTA), ASEAN countries must open their market to member states and reduce tax.
On Monday Datuk Shahrir had said the government would not hesitate to import essential goods to protect consumers.
Real Estate and Housing Developer's Association Malaysia (REHDA) Presiden Ng Seing Liong said the association was considering doing away with the price control mechanism to ensure sufficient supply of consumer goods in the market.
