KPDN launches KBBM 2025 to boost local MSME sales in Malaysia
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has launched the 2025 Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM) under the theme 'Jom Beli Lokal' to strengthen domestic economic growth and support local entrepreneurs.
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali highlighted that the campaign aims to enhance sales value and market penetration for Malaysian-made products while reducing reliance on imports.
'This initiative directly supports local entrepreneurs and contributes to national economic growth,' he said during the launch at Puteri Harbour Convention Centre.
The campaign will involve multiple ministries, government agencies, and private sector collaboration to promote local products as a preferred choice.
Armizan emphasised that KBBM will expand to e-commerce platforms, leveraging partnerships with major operators like TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada.
'E-commerce plays a crucial role in reaching wider audiences, and we recorded over RM347 million in sales through KBBM in 2023 and 2024,' he added.
The three-day Southern Zone Roadshow in Johor marks the beginning of a nationwide tour, covering five additional zones.
The event includes consumer advocacy programmes, local product exhibitions, and government agency showcases.
Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and state committee chairman Lee Ting Han were also present at the launch.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysia Sun
7 hours ago
- Malaysia Sun
Economic Watch: ASEAN integration drives development of independent regional financial system, analyst says
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Greater economic integration among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is accelerating efforts to build an independent and resilient regional financial system, aimed at reducing reliance on external currencies and enhancing monetary stability across Southeast Asia, according to a Malaysian analyst. These moves are not meant to target any specific country but rather reflect a desire to move away from external financial volatility and facilitate transactions using local currencies for intra-ASEAN trade, which will enable seamless cross-border transactions, provide greater market access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and also boost regional tourism, Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University Malaysia, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. "The push for the use of local currencies has been ongoing for some time, as it helps strengthen the economic integration of ASEAN member states -- an important goal that ASEAN seeks to pursue. In fact, other regions are also moving away from relying too heavily on a single foreign currency, such as the U.S. dollar, as external interest rates and shifting government policies may cause significant volatility in currency exchange," she explained, adding that volatility is undesirable in any business. "Apart from the benefits of easier and faster transactions between businesses and banks of ASEAN countries through the use of local currencies, cross-border payments in local currencies can also help to avoid the volatility from outside the area," she said. Lee also said that allowing cross-border settlements in local currencies would be faster and cheaper, and singled out the tourism sector as a big winner, as tourists in the region will not need to go through the hassle of changing physical money when visiting other ASEAN states. "The Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) initiative was first established to strengthen payment connectivity among the five ASEAN members, notably Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. To date, the initiative has expanded to include central banks of Vietnam, Laos, Brunei and Cambodia," she said. "The participation would bring about seamless cross-border transactions and boost tourism in the region. Under the local currency settlement framework, many national payment systems have been linked, such as between Malaysia and Indonesia," she said. Lee also noted that the ASEAN push for local currencies and reduced dependency on external monetary systems has gained momentum amid growing awareness of the risks posed by relying on the U.S. dollar. "In the past, certain currencies were viewed as stable, but due to increasingly unpredictable global developments, this perception is shifting," Lee said, adding that if economic tools were to be used to exert pressure on policy differences, it could have negative implications. "Such risks, even if unlikely, remind us why building regional financial resilience is critical," she said.
The Star
9 hours ago
- The Star
Asean integration drives development of independent regional financial system, analyst says
SOUTH-EAST ASIA (Xinhua): Greater economic integration among the members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) is accelerating efforts to build an independent and resilient regional financial system, aimed at reducing reliance on external currencies and enhancing monetary stability across the region, according to a Malaysian analyst. These moves are not meant to target any specific country but rather reflect a desire to move away from external financial volatility and facilitate transactions using local currencies for intra-Asean trade, which will enable seamless cross-border transactions, provide greater market access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and also boost regional tourism, Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University Malaysia, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. "The push for the use of local currencies has been ongoing for some time, as it helps strengthen the economic integration of Asean member states -- an important goal that Asean seeks to pursue. "In fact, other regions are also moving away from relying too heavily on a single foreign currency, such as the US dollar, as external interest rates and shifting government policies may cause significant volatility in currency exchange," she explained, adding that volatility is undesirable in any business. "Apart from the benefits of easier and faster transactions between businesses and banks of Asean countries through the use of local currencies, cross-border payments in local currencies can also help to avoid the volatility from outside the area," she said. Lee also said that allowing cross-border settlements in local currencies would be faster and cheaper, and singled out the tourism sector as a big winner, as tourists in the region will not need to go through the hassle of changing physical money when visiting other Asean states. "The Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) initiative was first established to strengthen payment connectivity among the five Asean members, notably Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. "To date, the initiative has expanded to include central banks of Vietnam, Laos, Brunei and Cambodia," she said. "The participation would bring about seamless cross-border transactions and boost tourism in the region. Under the local currency settlement framework, many national payment systems have been linked, such as between Malaysia and Indonesia," she said. Lee also noted that the Asean push for local currencies and reduced dependency on external monetary systems has gained momentum amid growing awareness of the risks posed by relying on the US dollar. "In the past, certain currencies were viewed as stable, but due to increasingly unpredictable global developments, this perception is shifting," Lee said, adding that if economic tools were to be used to exert pressure on policy differences, it could have negative implications. "Such risks, even if unlikely, remind us why building regional financial resilience is critical," she said. - Xinhua
Sinar Daily
9 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Batik revival faces identity and style challenge
KUALA LUMPUR - Since the mandatory implementation of batik attire among civil servants in 2023, this textile craft has experienced a resurgence, capturing the interest of various generations. Despite this growing popularity aligning with the government's aspiration to preserve and strengthen batik as part of the nation's cultural heritage, in reality, local support for Malaysian batik remains inconsistent and not yet deeply rooted in society. The mandatory implementation of batik attire for civil servants since 2023 has sparked a resurgence of interest in this traditional textile, aiming to preserve and strengthen Malaysian cultural heritage. - Bernama file photo Nearly three years into its weekly adoption by civil servants every Thursday-a practice that has since garnered interest from other sectors as well-Universiti Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman fashion lecturer Shabri Saad said that consumers still tend to favour batik from neighbouring countries over locally made ones. "Batik isn't just a pattern. It's an art form-wearable artwork. I appreciate all types of batik, whether from Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China or Cambodia. But as Malaysians, we must uphold the art that originates from our own land. "If we don't support local batik artisans, I fear one day this craft will only exist in museums,' he said, adding that the preference for foreign batik is likely due to a lack of awareness and confusion surrounding the techniques, motifs, and true cultural value of batik. With more than two decades of experience in the batik world, Shabri noted that Malaysian batik-be it from Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, or Melaka-each carries a distinct beauty that must be preserved. For this reason, he believes that revitalising support for local batik cannot rest solely on government efforts, including initiatives by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia). Instead, it must involve collaboration with all stakeholders, including NGOs, artists, and consumers. In this context, the Master of Design Technology holder highlighted the need for local batik to evolve, particularly in terms of design-moving away from overly dense and multicoloured motifs-as today's generation tends to prefer simpler, modern, and contemporary styles. "Young people want batik that's stylish, not something that looks like it's for uncles. A good batik design is one that makes the wearer look fresh and fashionable, without compromising on its cultural essence,' he said. He also recommended exploring more sophisticated colours that align with global fashion trends, such as toned-down hues, earthy tones, or pastels, which could help elevate Malaysian batik onto the global stage. Touching on pricing, Shabri noted that printed batik should not be completely dismissed, as it can serve as an entry point for the public to appreciate local batik designs and identity, especially considering its affordability compared to hand-drawn batik. "If we reject everything that's cheap, eventually even authentic batik will lose demand. With better understanding, appreciation for real batik will naturally grow,' he added. Meanwhile, 37-year-old civil servant Debby Lucas believes batik is more than just a meaningful cultural heritage-it is also a product of craftsmanship that requires patience, precision, and high creativity. "Each motif tells a story about nature, life, and community identity. In the past, batik was only worn to formal events, but now it's a modern fashion item suitable for the office or as a statement piece on the international stage,' she said, commending batik fashion designers who cater to young people's tastes. Faizah Ibrahim, 28, said price is not a major deterrent as there are still affordable batik options that match her personal style, including pieces she purchased from the Malaysian Prisons Department gallery. "I like batik made with dyeing techniques because it's comfortable, unique, and special-the patterns are one-of-a-kind. I also prefer tailoring my clothes over fast fashion because it looks neater, lasts longer, and is eco-friendly,' she said. - BERNAMA
