The 1Malaysia logo emblazoned on the packaging of subsidised goods will help to prevent profiteering, smuggling and abuse of the subsidy, according to the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry.

"The 1Malaysia logo will help consumers realise that those are subsidised goods that are not to be misused for profit," deputy minister Rohani Abdul Karim told the Dewan Rakyat during Question Time today.

NONE Replying Mohd Firdaus Jaafar (PAS-Jerai), she said the logo helps remind the people not to misuse, smuggle or otherwise abuse the subsidy.

The prominence of the logo also makes its easier for authorities to monitor subsidised goods in the market and to curb abuse.

Rohani said the logo is currently being used only for subsidised sugar and flour, with prior consent from the manufacturers concerned.

"Accusations that they were forced to do so are not true," she said, adding that the move is a way for them to discharge their corporate social responsibility to the public.

‘No restrictions on resale’

To a supplementary question from Mohd Firdaus as to whether the expansion of Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia would negatively affect sundry shops, she dismissed the concern.

"Indeed, with its introduction, more sundry shops have appeared, like mushrooms after the rain," countered Rohani.

This, she explained, is because people can now purchase cheap 1Malaysia products to sell, as there is no restrictions on such products from being resold.

The opposition had described the use of the 1Malaysia logo as a political gimmick.