By: Nastura Nasir
Pix: Shahiddan Saidi

BANGI, 29 July – The National University of Malaysia (UKM) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (FOMCA) as an initiative to empower Malaysian consumers.

UKM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Noor Azlan Ghazali said, the MoU will increase cooperation between UKM and FOMCA in conducting research, education, consultation, publications and the development of human capital in consumerism.

“The variety of courses in consumerism, research and publications undertaken by UKM’s scholars clearly indicates that we have a vast array of expertise in consumerism,” he added.

Prof. Datuk Noor Azlan hopes that this cooperation will contribute to the mission of promoting awareness of consumer’s rights, thus indirectly promoting and reinforcing the level of consumer protection in Malaysia.

He signed the MoU on behalf of UKM, whilst FOMCA was represented by its President, Prof. Datuk Dr. Marimuthu Nadason.

In his speech, Prof. Datuk Marimuthu said that UKM can play a part in the broad scope of consumer protection. For instance,UKM lecturers and experts can participate in the national standards committee managed by the Association of Standards Users in Malaysia.

“”Globalisation brings new challenges that must be conquered together effectively.

“This collaboration is an opportunity for both parties, UKM and FOMCA, to uplift the importance of community in the legal field, water, energy, product safety, handling of complaints, research, and education,” he said.