CONSUMERISM

CONSUMER

One who buys good or services and deserves to get what he pays for in real quantity and quality.

Practically, everyone is a consumer of varied goods and services.

Section 3(1) CPA 1999 states consumer means a person who :

a)Acquires or uses goods or services of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal or domestic household purposes used for consumptionb)Does not acquire or uses goods or services.However, does not hold himself out from using what is offered to him.For example, an entrepreneur who buys a product and later sells it without using it.

CONSUMERISM

A social movement whose aim is to protect or care the buyers of goods or services against fraudulent dealings or inferior services.

A part of human rights – The right to good and shelter, the right to employment and education, the right to a safe environment.

Began as a protest against sub-standard goods and fraudulent business practices.It later then turned into a movement with public support and government help

CONSUMER RIGHTS

The Right to Adequate Information The Right to Quality and Safety of Goods and

Services Right to choose Right to be heard Right to get consumer education Right to a healthy environment Right to redress

CONSUMER MOVEMENTS

Establishment of the National Advisory Council for the consumer protection of 1973

More so, information of the Domestic Trade and the Consumer Affairs Ministry.

In each state there is a Consumer Protection Advisory Council

CONSUMER MOVEMENTS

Functions of the National Advisory Council:1) To find ways to protect consumer2) Advise the Domestic Trade and the

Consumer AffairsThe council is composed of the

representatives from state governments; consumer groups; environmental bodies, and trade associations

CONT.

Consumer protection is the responsibility of various government agencies, depending on the consumer related function performed by the respective ministries:

A) Ministry of Domestic Trade & Consumer AffairsB) Ministry of Energy, Water, Communications and

MultimediaC) Ministry of AgricultureD) Ministry of Housing & Local GovernmentsE) Ministry of Health

NGOs:A) Federation of Malaysian Consumer

Association (FOMCA) ; initially known as Selangor Consumer Association 1965

B) Consumer Association of Penang (CAP)C) Education and Research Association for

Consumer (ERA)

CONSUMER AND HALAL PRODUCTS

Definition : guidelines compiled by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) based on Islamic authorities.

Example of hadeeth : “Halal (lawful) is clear and haram (prohibited), in between these two are certain things which are suspect or shubha.many people may not know whether those items are halal or haram. (but) whosoever leaves them, is innocent towards his religion and his conscience...anyone who gets involved in any of these suspected items, may fall into the unlawful and prohibited”

Cont. It is also defined as food not made of, or containing parts

of animal origin which Islamic law forbids t be consumed. 5 main objectives of Halal Development Corporation food

:1. To inform the public regarding issues halal and haram.2. To provide a complete list of Malaysian suppliers and

manufacturers of halal food, beverages and other products and services

3. To provide a a list of non-Malaysian suppliers & manufacturers of food, beverages and other products and services

4. To provide an avenue for producers, manufacturers, suppliers and services providers of halal products to advertise or sell their products and services 5. To assist interested parties in procurement of halal and services.

ISSUES REGARDING HALAL PRODUCTS IN MALAYSIA

Muslims may be sensitive to the Halal aspect in what they consume and use.

Many may just take for granted the Halal wording or the logo without checking further.

As long as they are confident with the brand name while those who are not sure will contact the consumer associations, JAKIM or JAIN.

The Halal directory allows the public to check details on Halal certificate whether it is for products, eateries or abattoirs.

The list of foreign Halal certificate issuing authority is also provided.