James… chaired the GPN meeting in Sandakan, on Thursday
SANDAKAN: The active involvement of the consumer movement by meaning of ‘Consumer Power’ will have a big impact in creating a national effort, through a ‘whole of nation’ approach.
Sabah’s Minister of Community Development and Wellbeing, Datuk James bin Ratib said, this is important to realize the Government’s goal in preserving the interests of consumers and addressing the issue of the cost of living of the people.
“A holistic and inclusive approach in ensuring that every layer of society understands their rights and responsibilities as consumers is important to build a society that is not only consumer literate, but also dares to act to protect their interests.
“Continuous implementation of awareness campaigns through various mediums such as social media, television, radio, and community seminars should focus on consumer rights such as the right to get correct information, the right to choose, and the right to seek compensation in the event of fraud or non-compliance.
“Education on consumer rights should start as early as school level, so that the younger generation is aware of their rights and can make wise decisions when purchasing products or services,” he said.
James who is also the Sugut Assemblyman said this while co-chairing the Sabah State Consumer Movement Meeting No. 1/ 2024 held at Livingston Hotel, Sandakan on Thursday.
He hoped that the members of the meeting could together identify the challenges faced by users, devise strategies to overcome these problems, and ensure that users’ rights are protected more effectively.
“We need to identify challenges that impact the people of Sabah in particular, such as rising prices of goods, online fraud, and public service issues,” he said.
Meanwhile, James thanked the presence of the pocket talk presenter in the program, Azmin bin Julpae, Customs Superintendent, Inland Tax Division, Royal Malaysian Customs Department Sabah Zone regarding the Change in Service Tax Rate of Eight (8) Percent and other related taxes .
He also gave appreciation to another presenter, Lydrianna Koh, Assistant Director of SKMM Sandakan Branch, Sabah State Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission who shared information and provided a clearer understanding regarding Internet Access Issues, Calls & Courier Companies, in addition to presenters from the State KPDN Office morning
“I hope that the consumerism program that will be implemented this year can take advantage of various delivery methods, involving participants of various ages and in different locations covering the entire district.
“With this approach, I am confident that more Sabahans will be aware of their rights and dare to take action through the right channels.
“The state and federal governments are also committed to dealing with consumerism issues, by carrying out continuous monitoring and enforcement to protect consumers, especially in Sabah,” he explained.
Also present, the Director of the Office of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Living Costs (KPDN) of the State of Sabah and the Chairman of the Sabah Consumer Movement, Georgie Abas, representatives of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, a special invited guests, President of the Sandakan Municipal Council, the Director of the Management Services Division of ESSCOM Lahad Datu, OCPD Sandakan, representatives of the Chairmen of the District Consumer Movement (GPD), Heads of departments, members of the Sabah GPN Meeting, and others.
