TO enhance consumer and business protection, the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) has launched a groundbreaking initiative dubbed ‘BizSecure’.
This innovative program, spearheaded by the organisation, marks its pilot phase, with Penang being selected as the inaugural state for its implementation.
Founded in 2016, MTPN provides consumer-focused consultations and resolutions for both consumers and companies. It empowers consumers to voice their concerns and advocates for their interests while educating them to be smart consumers.
Over the years, MTPN also has established close relationships with various government agencies, serving as a bridge between the public and the government, and providing services to consumers as a pro-government organisation.
The launching of the BizSecure programme was officiated by the Penang Trade, Entrepreneurial Development and Rural Development Committee chairman Rashidi Zinol in Komtar today.
MTPN Penang branch secretary Joanne Tan Ing Ju, who is also the chairman of the BizSecure programme in the state, highlighted that the initiative is geared towards bolstering consumer rights. The program also offers a convenient platform for reporting violations of these rights, employing complaint stickers placed visibly at business premises.
“In the current era of globalisation, safeguarding consumer rights has emerged as a crucial element in fostering fairness in the dynamic relationship between consumers and traders.
“The escalating recognition of these rights not only empowers consumers but also cultivates trust within the trade and business landscape.
“Therefore, through the implementation of the BizSecure programme, MTPN strives to harness the power of technology and communication to foster positive changes in consumer rights protection.
“The placement of complaint stickers at business premises serves as a tangible means to effectively communicate the rights and responsibilities of both consumers and traders to the wider community,” she said in her speech during the launching ceremony today.
Tan emphasised that BizSecure represents a user-friendly complaint platform tailored to meet the needs of both consumers and traders.
“This platform is meticulously designed with user-friendliness in mind, aimed at simplifying the complaint reporting procedure. Users simply need to scan the QR code displayed on the complaint stickers to file a report.
“To ensure an efficient complaint monitoring system, each complaint is allocated a unique reference number, and the monitoring process spans from inception to resolution. This guarantees that complaints garner undivided attention from pertinent government departments or complaint authorities.
“In addition, our officers will conduct proactive promotional campaigns by visiting business premises across the state to encourage traders to enrol in the BizSecure programme.
“Upon their agreement to participate, the premises will be furnished with the BizSecure complaint sticker and a certificate, which they can proudly display to their customers,” she elaborated.
Meanwhile, Rashidi lauded MTPN for its initiative, expressing confidence that the BizSecure programme would serve as a cornerstone in bolstering consumers’ rights and fostering positive outcomes for both stakeholders: consumers and traders alike.
Also present during the launching ceremony were MTPN Penang branch president Alston Tan and its deputy president Zeon Cheong Sze Keat.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting