BUY MALAYSIAN GOODS CAMPAIGN MARKS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM), led by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), marks its 40th anniversary this year.

KPDN Business Development Division director, Adiratno Che Ani, said KBBM, which began in 1984, will continue to be strengthened as a testament to the government's commitment to instilling patriotism among Malaysians, encouraging them to support and purchase locally made products.

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He added that KPDN welcomes the initiatives of strategic partners in running the campaign at business premises to promote and market local products. 

"We must strive to elevate local brands, making them comparable to renowned international brands. This is not merely about purchasing products but also about reinforcing national identity and nurturing pride in locally produced goods," he told Bernama today.

Adiratno added that with sustained support, Malaysian products could not only thrive locally but also gain recognition on the global stage.

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"This initiative will also create significant opportunities for local entrepreneurs, enhance industry competitiveness, and generate more employment opportunities.

"Only through collective efforts, will Malaysian-made products be able to compete with global brands, positioning our country as a hub of excellence in innovation, quality, and competitiveness," he said.

Adiratno explained that KPDN aims to ensure the campaign is widely implemented and continues to resonate with Malaysians. It encourages them to prioritise and support local brands and services with every purchase, in line with the campaign’s tagline, #Barang Baik Barang Kita.

He emphasised that the quality of Malaysian products is continually being improved to match international standards, allowing consumers to appreciate their uniqueness and quality while stimulating the domestic economy and balancing global economic pressures.

Adiratno further noted that this year’s KBBM introduces various strategic initiatives, such as strengthening local products in the retail industry through partnerships between KPDN and retail networks.

He highlighted that KPDN promotes the campaign through online marketplaces to ensure local products are continuously boosted and expanded via companies managing these platforms.

“We are also working to elevate the local fashion industry through themed sales initiatives involving local designers. For children, we’ve collaborated with digital animation media to promote the campaign among young consumers strategically,” he said.

He added that the ministry organised the KPDN Carnival in four states this year, with Melaka being the next destination, in conjunction with Visit Melaka Year, to promote the campaign.

The KPDN South Zone Carnival at Dataran Sejarah, Ayer Keroh, Melaka, from Dec 6 to 8 will serve as a platform for local entrepreneurs nationwide to showcase their products.

Adiratno noted that KBBM has received encouraging support from strategic partners and industry players, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores, contributing to its success this year.

"This year, the ministry has collaborated with 18 strategic partners to implement the local product empowerment initiative under the local retail industry, which forms a key part of this campaign," he said.

He explained that this initiative includes various strategies to raise awareness of Malaysian products in the local market and improve their accessibility in selected supermarket chains, such as featuring special display racks to highlight their exclusivity. 

Malaysians will also enjoy vouchers or discounts for every purchase of local products. 

He added that KPDN is collaborating with major supermarket chains with overseas branches to promote Malaysian products abroad through the "Local to Global Retail" initiative.

"This year the initiative was successfully implemented in Dubai, Japan, and Thailand. We can see that it has helped expand the potential of local goods in international markets, boost the national economy, and introduce Malaysian products to a global audience," he said.

-- BERNAMA