CONSUMERS SHOULD BE MINDFUL OF MARKETERS PROMISES - MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- Consumers must always be alert and mindful
in judging marketers promises expecially on products delivery, to ensure they do
not fall victim to any scams, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism
Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said that in today's environment of print, broadcast, internet and mobile
media, consumers were exposed to more promotional messages than ever before.

"The low cost of communication in our digital age allows marketers of all
shades, whether local or foreign, scrupulous or unscrupulous to connect to a
broad range of consumers with an unprecedented level of ease," he said in his
speech at the 2010 Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Award ceremony here,
Wednesday.

He said consumers must be vigilant that they receive good value for their
money as it was now easier to use impressive visuals, music and words to mask an
inferior product or service.

"The government is also doing its part to take action against fraudulent
marketers with the recently developed Smart Consumer Programme to reduce
consumer exploitation in the market," he said.

He added that with the implementation of the programme, consumers would get
all the help needed in making more informed purchasing decisions.

Meanwhile, Reader's Digest tonight unveiled the names of the most
trusted Malaysian brands for consumer products as found by its annual survey,
which honours the very best brands in the country and Asia.

Out of 42 categories, "Made-in- Malaysia" brands were named winners in 23
categories.

Amway's Nutrilite won the Platinum Award Most Trusted Vitamin
Health/Supplement category followed by Carlsberg, which walked away with Gold
Award for the Most Trusted Beer brand.

Following is the full list of brands that topped the survey:

1. Most Trusted Banks - Maybank and Public Bank

2. Top Credit Card Issuing Banks - Citibank and Maybank.

3. Islamic Financial Services - Bank Islam

4. Trusted Investment Fund Company - Public Mutual

5. Consumer's Top Choices for Insurance Protection - AIA, Great Eastern and
Prudential.

6. Trusted Phone Service Provider - Maxis

7. Trusted Internet Service Provider - Streamyx

8. Most Trusted Airline - Malaysia Airlines

9. Top Family Tourist Attractions - Genting Highlands and Langkawi

10. Trusted Cars - Honda, Proton and Toyota

11. Trusted Tyres - Dunlop, Goodyear and Michelin

12. Trusted Petrol Stations - Petronas and Shell

13. Trusted Airfreight/Couriers - DHL, FedEx and PosLaju

14. Highly Competitive Property Developer - Sime Darby Property

15. Top-of-the-Class Universities - Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains
Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi MARA

16. Most Trusted Government Department/Agency - Malaysian Immigration
Department

17. Top Hospital - Kuala Lumpur Hospital

18. Top Family Restaurants - KFC, McDonald's and Pizza Hut

19. Trusted Paints - ICI Dulux and Nippon Paint

20. Trusted Floor and Wall Tiles - White Horse

21. Trusted Mattresses - Dreamland and Dunlopillo

22. Trusted Air Conditioners - Panasonic and York

23. Trusted Brands in Cameras - Canon, Nikon and Sony

24. Trusted Flatscreen TVs - Panasonic, Samsung and Sony

25. Trusted Personal Computers - Acer, Dell and HP

26. Trusted Multi-Function Printer/Copier - Canon and HP

27. Trusted Electrical Appliance Stores - Senheng

28. Trusted Pen Brands - Kilometrico, Parker and Pilot

29. Best Children's Fashion - Kikilala and Kiko

30. Trusted Lingerie - Triumph

31. Trusted Perfumes - Calvin Klein, Dior, Estee lauder and Hugo Boss

32. Trusted Refrigerator - Panasonic

33. Trusted Water Purifiers - Amway, Diamond, Elken and Panasonic

34. Trusted Cooking Oil - Buruh, Knife and Seri Murni

35. Trusted Seasoning Products - Adabi, Ajinomoto and Maggi

36. Trusted Rice - Jasmine and Jati

37. Trusted Packet Drinks - Yeo's, Dutch Lady and Nestle

38. Trusted Milk - Dutch Lady

39. Trusted Laundry Detergents - Dynamo, Fab and Top

40. Trusted Hair Colour Product - L'Oreal

-- BERNAMA