Negative perception on Malaysian-made products must change - Analyst

KUALA LUMPUR - Concerted efforts to promote Malaysian-made goods need to be increased to change the perception of some people who see local products as not carrying the image of luxury and quality.

Putra Business School economic analyst Assoc Prof Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said various parties including government ministries and agencies, industry, chambers of commerce and entrepreneurs should play a role in creating effective campaigns to promote Malaysian goods locally and internationally.

"The promotional campaigns should highlight the unique aspect of Malaysian products, not only that they are cheaper but also of high quality, thus giving added value to the product's status symbol," he told Bernama here.

He said the move would strengthen the domestic economy and help local enterprises penetrate the global market which would create employment opportunities among local people as well as encourage new economic growth.

When launching the Malaysian Goods Carnival in Putrajaya on Thursday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wanted efforts to promote Malaysian goods to be enhanced to stimulate the country's economic growth.

Meanwhile, Qaseh Batik owner Shahrul Azam, 42, said the Prime Minister's call was in line with the company’s plan to explore new markets after successfully penetrating the Brunei market recently.

"We are always on the lookout for opportunities to bring the company's products to foreign countries, including Central America, through various collaborations," he said.

Qaseh Butik, operated since 2016 in Kota Bahru, Kelantan, has so far produced 10 clothing products including kaftans, baju kurung, shirts and jubah that are sold at prices ranging from RM30 to RM300.

For sambal entrepreneur Surya Watie Salleh, 43, efforts to promote local products, especially those belonging to micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS), require the cooperation of all parties.

"For new brands, sometimes we don't have big funds to promote our products, so we have to use word-of-mouth advertising and social media platforms to spread the uniqueness of the products to customers.

"But we have to maintain the quality of the products so that people will feel confident using our products," said Surya Watie, who produces about 300 to 400 jars of Sambal Ikan Talang Tok Baqq per day to be marketed to the local and Singaporean markets. - BERNAMA