Fauziah (....) says buying Malaysian products shows patriotism. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
A HYPERMARKET chain spotlighted products by local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in its eighth “Buy Malaysian Products” campaign.
The Lotus’s Malaysia event saw 19 F&B brands participate in the four-day exhibition at its store in Setia Alam, Selangor.
They were joined by five social enterprises specialising in various initiatives including environmental awareness and education.
In her speech at the launch, Lotus’s Malaysia corporate services executive director Azliza Azmel said the campaign was aimed at connecting local brands with consumers.
“SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy.
“Through this initiative, Lotus’s serves as a platform to help them grow and reach more customers.
“By showcasing local products, we hope to inspire more Malaysians to support homegrown brands,” said Azliza.
Guest-of-honour Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh thanked Lotus’s for the campaign, noting that retail chains played a role in uplifting local SMEs and promoting homegrown brands.
“Buying local products is more than a transaction; it is also an expression of national pride and patriotism.
“Having more local brands in the market may also help reduce our reliance on imported products,” she said.
Fuziah also expressed hope that the campaign would spur local entrepreneurs to improve their offerings and quality of products.
On a related matter, she said her ministry would organise more carnivals and business matching events to promote local SMEs next year.
She said Budget 2026 allocated RM20mil for this purpose.
“We will work closely with strategic partners, which include 18 retail chains and three online shopping platforms, to promote and market Malaysian products,” she added.
Fuziah and Azliza also presented certificates for outstanding 2024 sales to 10 brands that partnered with the hypermarket.
