Pandemic did not dampen sales performance, says ministry

       LANGKAWI: Local producers recorded substantial earnings under the Buy Malaysia campaign, as sales amounted to RM3.3bil in 2020 with an expected 2.5% increase in volume this year.

       The campaign’s performance is also a testament to how quickly Malaysians embrace online shopping.

       “We scored a sales revenue of RM2.87bil in 2019 with online marketing portals contributing RM6.84mil, and RM3.3bil last year with online portal business increasing to RM145mil,” said Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid.

       This was achieved despite the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control restrictions last year, he added.

       “Although there is less than two months left this year, it is timely to launch the campaign again now and we are confident that it will be well received by traders and companies.

       “We are optimistic of a strong showing this year, with the RM20mil allocation in Budget 2022 to jumpstart the industry and increase competition in the domestic trade sector,” said Rosol, who represented Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi when launching the Buy Malaysia campaign at Dataran Cenang here on Saturday.

       Rosol (middle) and (from left) Kedah state executive councillor Romani Wan Salim, Kedah state assembly speaker Juhari Bulat, ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad and deputy secretary general (domestic trade development) Datuk Roziah Abudin at the launch of the Buy Malaysia campaign in Langkawi on Nov 13.

       Rosol said that with the strategic partnership between the ministry and supporting partners in implementing the Buy Malaysia campaign, it is evident the cooperation will be the catalyst to revive the country’s economy.

       “This partnership is essential to reviving and increasing the retail trade sector to register substantial growth this year.

       “The Buy Malaysia campaign logo should be a mark of prestige which traders can leverage on for their branding and increase their brand trust for locally produced products.

       “The campaign has gained ground with more strategic partners coming on board such as Aeon Big, Aeon Co, Giant, Mydin, 99 Supermart, The Store, Hero Supermarket, KK Supermart, Eco-Shop and online marketplaces such as Shopee, Lazada and PgMall,” Rosol pointed out.

       He said the carnival from Nov 11-14 had 20 micro entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises displaying various products at their booths, especially from Kedah.

       “This campaign is nothing new. It has been carried out since 1984 and has become a trademark of our ministry.

       “We understand the impact of the pandemic on the livelihood of consumers. As such, under the campaign this year, local products are being offered to customers at very attractive prices.

       “The presence of industry players, entrepreneurs, local manufacturers and the media with government agencies has created a close synergy and cooperation reflecting the Malaysian Family concept in the production of local products,” added Rosol.

       By definition, Malaysian products are items which are manufactured locally and contain at least 51% local materials.