Labuan: The Labuan branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has appointed two well-known individuals from the local community as ‘Penggerak Komuniti Pengguna’ (PKP) or Consumer Community Mobilisers, in a move to enhance grassroots-level monitoring and engagement on consumer affairs. Their appointment will run from April 1 to December 31.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the director of KPDN, Junaidah Arbain, stated that these individuals would serve as the ministry’s ‘eyes and ears’. They will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between consumers and the government by identifying issues, disseminating information, and supporting enforcement and advocacy efforts in their respective localities.

Junaidah explained that their responsibilities include recommending and supporting programs related to consumer education and protection, collecting relevant data and information on local consumerism issues, and assisting KPDN in carrying out consumer-focused initiatives. This was announced during the presentation of the appointment letters at the KPDN office.

She added that the mobilisers would also guide and educate members of the public on consumer rights, attend seminars and workshops to build capacity, and raise awareness through social media channels. Additionally, the PKP will be tasked with guiding and lodging complaints to the Consumer Claims Tribunal on behalf of affected consumers and participating in scheduled meetings with the minister, deputy minister, and state-level KPDN representatives.

Junaidah mentioned that they are required to submit monthly reports to the ministry summarizing consumerism-related developments, challenges, and community feedback. She emphasized that this initiative underscores the ministry’s proactive efforts to enhance consumer advocacy at the local level and ensure that key consumer issues are addressed promptly and efficiently through community-based collaboration.