PUTRAJAYA: 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, highlighted that the campaign, which began in 1984, continues to be a testament to the government’s commitment to instill patriotism among Malaysians by encouraging them to support and purchase locally made products.
According to Bernama News Agency, Adiratno stated that KPDN welcomes the initiatives of strategic partners in promoting the campaign at business premises to market local products. He emphasized the importance of elevating local brands to make them comparable to renowned international brands, reinforcing national identity, and nurturing pride in locally produced goods. With sustained support, Malaysian products could thrive locally and gain recognition on the global stage, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and enhancing industry competitiveness.
Adiratno pointed out th
at 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. This year’s KBBM introduces strategic initiatives, such as strengthening local products in the retail industry through partnerships with retail networks and promoting the campaign via online marketplaces.
He mentioned efforts to elevate the local fashion industry through themed sales initiatives involving local designers and collaborations with digital animation media to engage young consumers. The ministry also organized the KPDN Carnival in four states, with Melaka as the next destination, to promote the campaign in conjunction with Visit Melaka Year.
The KPDN South Zone Carnival in Melaka will provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products. Adiratno noted the encouraging support from strategic partners, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores, contributing to th
e campaign’s success. Collaborations with 18 strategic partners have been made to implement the local product empowerment initiative, which includes strategies to raise awareness and improve accessibility of Malaysian products in supermarkets, with special display racks highlighting their exclusivity.
Consumers can enjoy vouchers or discounts for purchasing local products, and KPDN is collaborating with major supermarket chains with overseas branches to promote Malaysian products abroad through the “Local to Global Retail” initiative. This initiative has been successfully implemented in Dubai, Japan, and Thailand, helping to expand the potential of local goods in international markets and boost the national economy.