Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today said his ministry does not intend to sideline existing consumer associations even though it is mulling plans to set up its own consumer association in every state.

Responding to criticisms by the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca), Muhyiddin said the government's activities to stimulate consumerism in the country should not be misconstrued as attempts to replace consumer associations.

"I hope they do not see this as sidelining them. They should see this as an effort in line with their goals. What we are fighting for and what they are fighting for is the same," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Yesterday, Fomca deputy president Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah was reported as saying that the federation planned to sever all forms of cooperation with the ministry as it had never appreciated the role of consumer associations.

Muhammad also claimed that special government allocation meant for consumer associations had been used instead to fund the activities of the ministry's state consumer affairs councils.

No consumer disadvantage

Commenting on this, Muhyiddin said Fomca should view the ministry's role in the "right perspective", adding that the final decision of whether ties should be cut between the two sides lies with Fomca.

"It is up to them. We have no problems if they consider us unimportant or unhelpful for reasons which we know nothing about," he reportedly said.

The minister also deflected criticisms for diverting funds to state consumer affairs councils saying that the funds were nevertheless used for the benefit of consumers.

"The councils were formed under the Consumer Protection Act and function as an advisor to the government through the State Consumer Council, or districts which have consumer association representatives.

"So, if we channel (the funds) there, it does not mean we are doing something to disadvantage the consumers," he said.

Muhyiddin also said the government had given much room for Fomca to function, including allowing the federation to manage the ministry-financed Consumer Bulletin.

"If they did it themselves, it would surely involve high costs... if they see that as being uncooperative, I don't know (what else they want)," he said.