The services of 3.6 million Rela personnel are needed to assist the enforcement unit of the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday. The initiative was a smart partnership between the Home Ministry and the domestic trade ministry under the Blue Ocean Strategy to compensate for the lack of enforcement officers in the latter. "I was informed that there was a shortage of enforcement officers in the ministry. We are therefore offering the services of the 3.6 million Rela members to assist the ministry. "Since the 3.6 million Rela members are also consumers, they will be committed to carry out their enforcement duties," he said when launching the 2015 National Consumers Day in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Zahid, who is also the home minister, said a number of Acts would be amended to implement such a move and the draft of the amendments would be submitted to the Attorney-General's office before being tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. "I am confident the amendments can be accepted to safeguard consumers. I also believe Rela members, once accepted, can be the 'eyes' and 'ears' of the ministry and the government," he said adding that there are only 2,300 domestic trade enforcement officers throughout the country. Commenting on an increase in the prices of goods, Zahid said it would not be fair to solely blame the government. "I feel in the current uncertain financial situation, not only Malaysia but other Asean countries as well as at the global level are experiencing a similar situation. Certainly, there will be parties blaming the government, ministries and leaders. But it is only their assumption. "In actual fact, prices are determined by the market forces and among factors involved are traders and wholesalers," he said. Zahid therefore, urged consumers to work closely with non-governmental organisations and consumer associations to safeguard their rights. – Bernama, October 26, 2015.]]>
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