The National Consumerism Policy, expected to be announced before end of the year, will encompass all issues on consumerism,

including fraud through the Internet.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the policy, now in the final stage of drafting, would be used as guidelines to address issues and problems on consumerism.

The policy, he said, would be an improvement of the existing policy which had to be amended to meet current consumer needs.

"For example, the previous policy does not include matters pertaining to the Internet and fraud through the get-rich-quick or the scratch and win schemes.

"Previously, issues on environment did not crop up because everybody cared for the environment, but now it has become a major issue.

"Hence, the need to enhance public awareness on environmental protection," he told reporters after opening the Malaysian Consumer and Family Economics Association (MACFEA) national seminar in Bangi today.

- Bernama