KOTA KINABALU: Consumers have the right to choose cheaper products or services and should not be blamed for making that choice, says the National Consumer Foundation Malaysia.
Its Sabah Chapter chairman David Chan believes that consumers should not be blamed for choosing cheaper products through online marketplaces.
"Every ringgit spent comes from the hard work and sacrifices of ordinary Malaysians.
"With the rising cost of living, consumers naturally look for affordable products that offer better value for money," he said in a statement Wednesday (Oct 20).
He said while local businesses should be supported, an important question that needs to be asked is why consumers should pay more for similar products just because they are sold locally.
Chan said local businesses must remain competitive in pricing, quality and customer service rather than expecting consumers to support them unconditionally.
At the same time, online marketplaces must comply with Malaysian consumer protection laws, product safety standards and fair trading requirements, he said.
"Our message is simple: protect consumers, encourage fair competition and allow the rakyat to decide how to spend their hard-earned money," he said.
Of late, local businesses have voiced concern over the rising popularity of foreign e-commerce platforms, offering lower prices that threaten physical businesses here that cannot match their rates.
The government plans to table an E-Commerce Bill in Parliament next year to strengthen regulation of online transactions.
