Categories: News
Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah, the new director of the National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC), has 20 years of experience dealing with matters related to consumerism in Malaysia. Previously a volunteer at the Pahang Association of Consumers (PAC) while he was employed full-time at a Felda company, he also represented PAC at the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca).
How did you find your way to the NCCC?
I joined Fomca full-time in January this year after retiring from the Felda firm, having served there for 23 years. When the position as director at NCCC became vacant last month, I was offered the post of director.
As the new director, what plans do you have for the NCCC?
We will continue to highlight issues that concern the consumers, of course. We will also be talking to various associations to discuss issues in business ethics. We want to understand traders better – the problems they face and issues that are affecting them.
How is the Malaysian public as educated consumers?
The Malaysian public is generally not aware of their rights as consumers. Most of them don’t know that they have rights. The public needs to be educated and we are in the midst of conducting more consumer awareness programmes.
What is the hottest issue that the NCCC is facing right now?
The NCCC has been getting many complaints about the bus touts in Puduraya lately.
How can the problem of touts be resolved?
The issue is one that is complex. There have been numerous complains from the public. Mostly, we believe the problem lies with staff at the ticketing counters. Some of the companies are legal while others are not. It is difficult for the public to differentiate between genuine operators and touts.
When a customer buys a ticket, thinking it is genuine, he or she might later discover they had been cheated.
We have received 30 complains from consumers with tickets bought both at the counter and away.
What does the government need to do to solve this issue?
The government needs to play an active role in enforcing the law. If they make sure rules are enforced by punishing those who are wrong, there will be less people flouting the law. We hope to work with agencies under the Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Ministry to rectify the problem as soon as possible.
While you’re busy in your new role, how is your family coping?
They are all still in Mentakab, Pahang. My wife takes care of the home there, as well as my three boys – in Form Four, Form Two and Standard Six. My eldest, 18, has just started his studies at university.
