BUY MALAYSIAN PRODUCTS CAMPAIGN REVIVED

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- To stimulate the country's economic growth and
face the global economic slump, the Buy Malaysian Products campaign will be
revived and launched on Jan 16.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad said the
campaign had been carried out previously, but was focused on exporting
locally-made goods.

"With the current economic situation, we cannot just rely on the export
sector...so, we should encourage Malaysians to buy locally-made products," he
told reporters after the ministry's new year assembly here Tuesday.

Shahrir said the move would not be a loss to any party as Malaysian products
were of good quality and could generate income for the country, as well as those
who manufactured and marketed the products.

He said the campaign would be carried out for a year, using various mediums
including print and electronic advertisements, as well as state and
district-level promotions.

Elements of awareness to buy local products would be incorporated in expos
or commerce exhibitions nationwide throughout the year, such as during holidays
or at furniture exhibitions, with the cooperation of other ministries, he said.

Shahrir said they also hoped that local producers could come up with new
brands which were cheaper but still had quality.

"Brand owners base their brands on price and quality, with the price
determining the quality. So, when we ask them to reduce prices, it is considered
as degrading the brand.

"The ministry hopes that in 2009, more value brands will be introduced, so
consumers can buy the same product at a lower price and brand owners do not need
to compromise their current brand," he said.
-- BERNAMA

ZIM IZ GR