‘Buy Malaysian’ drive timely to boost Covid-hit economy

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s efforts to intensify the Buy Malaysian Products Campaign this year is timely given the current economy situation affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad said the move was necessary to stimulate and boost domestic economic growth, thereby increasing consumer awareness about the existence of local products and encouraging purchases.

At the same time, the campaign can also help local entrepreneurs, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing their businesses.

“Based on the latest data released by the Statistics Department, the contribution of SMEs to the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased to 38.9 per cent in 2019 compared to 38.3 per cent recorded in 2018,” he said.

He said this at the flagging off of the Selangor KPDNHEP 2020 Consumer and Traders Roadshow Programme at the Petronas Temasya Station, Federal Highway yesterday.

According to him, local products play a big role in the country’s economy and will continue to contribute to the increase in GDP percentage besides proving the role of SMEs that provide jobs and support economic growth.