KUCHING: Today, March 15, marks World Consumer Rights Day and it is important for consumers to know their rights.
In Malaysia, National Consumer Day is celebrated today with the theme ‘Consumer Digitisation’.
In line with this, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has listed out the eight basic rights of consumers that they need to be aware of.
They are:
● Right to basic needs;
● Right to safe goods and services;
● Right to information;
● Right to make choice;
● Right to express opinion;
● Right to redress;
● Right to consumer education, and
● Right to live in a healthy and safe environment
Meanwhile, the month of March every year has been declared by the Cabinet which met on Dec 11, 2020 as National Consumer Month (BPK).
According to a statement on KPDNHEP’s website, the government will be celebrating BPK for the first time nationwide in March 2022.
The objective of the BPK, among others, is to empower consumers to be more intelligent and capable in various aspects, especially consumer protection.
This year’s National Consumer Day focuses on the use of easier, faster and safer online transactions for daily affairs.
The selection of the theme coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic scenario which requires most of the payment transactions and sales to be done without touch and online transactions are the most secure and efficient platform.
In addition, KPDNHEP hopes that consumers can participate with the current digital technology and further equip themselves with digital knowledge and usability, especially in terms of security and protection from the threat of scams, fraud, hackers and so on.
The BPK will be celebrated from March 1 to 31.
Meanwhile, should consumers encounter problems or are victims of fraud, they should report the matter to KPDNHEP or the relevant agencies and ensure that their rights as consumers are protected.
Consumers are urged to report to KPDNHEP of any misconduct and they can channel the reports or complaints on the ministry’s WhatsApp at 019-2794317, e-Aduan portal, call centre 1-800-886-800; email to e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my; Ez ADU mobile application; or Enforcement Command Centre 03-8882-6088/6245.
