Kuala lumpur: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has urged businesses to verify any claims involving ASEAN-related endorsements or recognitions before making payments to organisers. Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the association was concerned over reports that private entities were allegedly using the ASEAN name to market recognitions to Malaysian businesses for substantial fees.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohideen mentioned that several businesses had reportedly been approached by organisers offering purported ASEAN-related recognitions costing up to RM30,000. He advised businesses and members of the public to exercise caution and verify any claims of ASEAN endorsement directly through official ASEAN channels before making any payment or entering into agreements with such organisers.

Mohideen emphasized that ASEAN is an intergovernmental organisation representing its member states and not a commercial entity. He added that its name, emblem, and identity should not be used for unauthorised commercial purposes. Furthermore, he called on the relevant authorities to investigate whether any laws relating to misleading representations, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, or misuse of protected institutional identities had been breached.

The integrity of ASEAN as a respected regional institution must be protected from commercial exploitation and misuse, he added.