KPDN seeks stakeholder proposals to strengthen local product policies and reduce dependence on imports.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government invites all stakeholders to submit proposals and feedback to ensure that the policies and strategies to enhance the use and purchase of local products are truly aligned with the industry’s needs.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said suggestions and views can be channelled to the ministry or relevant agencies, and KPDN will present them to the Cabinet Committee to empower the use and purchase of local products, which is expected to hold its first meeting soon.
He said the step is important to coordinate the efforts of various ministries and agencies in an integrated manner and no longer operate in silos.
“This step is important so that we can drive and formulate directions, strategies, and approaches that also encompass ideas, suggestions, and views from stakeholders,” he said to reporters after attending the Fashion Forward Batik segment at the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2026 here today.
The Cabinet Committee to empower the use and purchase of local products, established in July, is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, with KPDN acting as the secretariat.
The committee aims to coordinate the efforts of various ministries and agencies so that they no longer operate in silos, thereby reducing dependence on imported products, increasing the contribution of local products to the country’s economic growth, and assisting local entrepreneurs.
“In addition to strengthening local products, another issue that arises is the concerns and worries of local entrepreneurs due to the influx and also the flooding of foreign products from outside, including those sold through online platforms,” he said.
He said the committee also involves the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), the Finance Ministry, and various related agencies.
Regarding KLFW, Armizan said the strategic collaboration between KPDN and KLFW is part of the implementation of the Jom Beli Produk Malaysia (JOM MALAYSIA) movement to empower local products through a collaborative approach with industry players.
The event is said to have the potential to serve as an important platform for expanding access to the batik market and local products to the international level, based on a media value record of USD32 million achieved by the event’s organisation last year.
That achievement proves that KLFW has a wide influence and reach in the fashion industry, thereby strengthening the branding of local products in the global market.
He also said efforts to empower the cultural and creative industries are also in line with the development of the sector, which contributed RM130.7 billion or 6.8% to the gross domestic product (GDP) based on the 2024 Cultural and Creative Satellite Account Report.
