YPNM Sarawak Seminar sharing with KPDN & Melilea International Sarawak, Kuching

20th February 2024 – Yayasan Pengguna Negara Malaysia (YPNM), Cawangan Kuching had the privilege to host the seminar on “Insights into The Consumer Protection Seminar – Direct Sales and Anti-pyramid Scheme Act 1993” in collaboration with Melilea International Sarawak Branch. The objectives of this seminar were to enhance awareness, understanding, and adherence to ethical business practices that prioritize the well-being of consumers and to educate Direct Sellers on Consumer Rights, ensuring that direct sellers adopt ethical sales and marketing practices.

This seminar was presented by Tuan Ismail Abdul Aziz (Ketua Unit Konsumerisme Dan Kawalan Industri KPDN Sarawak). Also present during the seminar were Tuan Mohd Fikri Bin Sik Mohamad (Ketua Unit Aduan), Cik Wendy Anak Chali (Seksyen Pendayaupayaan Pengguna), and Mr. Syamim from KPDN Sarawak. According to Tuan Ismail Abdul Aziz, following the PPJL (Skim Dan Perjalanan) 2001, all Direct Sellers must have a valid Membership ID Card provided by the respective Direct Selling companies. All the Direct Selling companies in Malaysia must have a Refund Policy whereby the payment required in the membership agreement is refunded 100% when the membership is canceled within 10 days after joining. There must also be a Buy-Back Policy whereby the company must buy back marketable goods when there is a demand made within 6 months at a price not less than 90% of the original price. Participants must be given no less than 10 working days from the date of recruitment to cancel their membership. Any single product that is RM 300 and above must be given no less than a 10-day cooling-off period with a written contract. Tuan Ismail Abdul Aziz also strongly advises every Direct Selling company in Malaysia to conduct such seminars for all their agents or distributors, especially the newly joined ones.

Mr. Jimmy Ling (林以群) (Chairman of YPNM Kuching) said that the direct sales industry has witnessed remarkable growth, becoming a pivotal component of the global economy and Sarawak is not being excluded. With the convenience of online platforms and the rise of e-commerce, consumers increasingly engage with direct sellers for a diverse range of products and services. While the industry offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique challenges, necessitating a robust framework for consumer protection. As the industry continues to thrive, it is imperative to establish a regulatory framework that safeguards consumers from potential risks and ensures a fair and transparent marketplace. Therefore YPNM will continue to organize this seminar throughout Sarawak to create better awareness among Direct Sellers in Sarawak and to protect consumers.

Mr. Winston Chang (郑铭业) (YPNM Kuching Vice-Chairman) as the Organizing Chairman of this seminar said that the objectives of this seminar are to enhance awareness, understanding, and adherence to ethical business practices that prioritize the well-being of consumers, and to educate Direct Sellers on Consumer Rights, ensuring that direct sellers are well-versed with the rights and expectations of consumers, empowering them to conduct their business in a manner that respects and protects consumers. This seminar also helps to promote Ethical Sales Practices by encouraging direct sellers to adopt ethical sales and marketing practices, emphasizing honesty, transparency, and fair representation of products or services. This objective aims to build trust between direct sellers and consumers, fostering long-term relationships.

This seminar was attended by around 50 Melilea Agents from all over Sarawak. Also present during this seminar were Ms. Ting (陳炳桃), the branch manager of Melilea International Sarawak, and CSD Ms. Jasper Chew (周家瑩) of Melilea International Sarawak. All the participants are being appointed as Rakan YPNM Sarawak to become the “Eyes” and “Ears” of YPNM and KPDN in protecting consumer rights in the Sarawak community.