By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Consumer Movement (GPN) will continue strengthening consumer protection through an inter-agency approach.
The initiative aims to address challenges involving the cost of living, food safety, digital transactions and online scam threats.
Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister and GPN Sabah co-chairperson Datuk Julita Majungki said the GPN Sabah Meeting No. 1/2026, held yesterday, provided an important platform to coordinate views and strengthen cooperation among ministries, enforcement agencies, consumer bodies and other stakeholders.
“An inter-agency approach is crucial because today’s consumer challenges are no longer isolated but involve multiple areas, including the economy, food safety and digital security,” she said when co-chairing the meeting.
Julita said the growing use of digital platforms has brought greater convenience to consumers but has also increased exposure to online scams, personal data misuse and misleading information.
“Scammers are moving fast. Therefore, awareness and collective action by all parties must move even faster,” she said.
She said strengthening digital literacy and consumer awareness would remain a key focus of ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies.
Julita said issues related to the cost of living and food safety would continue to receive attention to ensure consumer interests remain protected.
She said GPN Sabah would continue serving as a strategic coordination platform to strengthen integrated action between government agencies and consumer-related partners.
“A knowledgeable consumer is an empowered consumer, and this is the foundation of more effective consumer protection,” she said.
Julita expressed hope that stronger cooperation through GPN Sabah would continue contributing towards protecting consumer interests and improving the wellbeing of people in the state.
Also present were Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Maria Chong, GPN Sabah chairperson Shahril Nizam Shahidin, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry Sabah deputy chief enforcement officer Fredeck Kantod; Sabah Paddy and Rice Board general manager Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin, Department of Chemistry Sabah director Harun Ahmad, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Sabah director Ratnawaty Talib, Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry deputy permanent secretary II Dr Cleopatra @ Clare Asing; Consumer Affairs and Protection Association of Sabah president James Bagah; Sabah National Consumer Action Council president Kevin Loh Kian Min; and National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah branch) president David Chan.
Julita (centre), and Shahril (sixth left), with participants of the GPN Sabah meeting.
