Be Aware Of Wider Roles, Ongkili Tells Consumers
Friday, 3 September 2004 (Source: Bernama)

KOTA MARUDU: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said Friday consumer education was important to make the people aware of their rights and responsibilities.

Opening a workshop on consumerism and quality of life here, he said that knowledge of their rights as consumers will help them get value for money when buying goods and services.

"They are also more aware of laws governing consumerism which provide protection especially regarding safety and welfare," he said at the workshop organised by Kota Marudu Consumer Affairs Committee and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

The one-day workshop was attended by about 200 members of Viewers, Listeners and Readers group (K3P), community leaders and other non-governmental organisations.

Ongkili, who is Kota Marudu MP, said that consumers should also be aware of their responsibilities to the wider community especially with regard to care of the environment and public safety.

"Good consumer habits such as simple waste recycling and disposal is an important investment in making the environment clean and sustainable," he said.

He urged the people in the district to cooperate and assist the government, especially the district council, in its goal to keep the town clean and rubbish-free.

"The goal can only be achieved if town folks practise care for the environment and avoid littering in public places," he said.

On the Kota Marudu rubbish dump site now filled and overflowing, he said that the district council has been desperately searching for a new site for the last five years but none had been found to be environmentally suitable.

"The district development committee has identified a possible site within the Borneo Samudera and Safoda alienated areas and is still awaiting response from the agencies about the council's request to use the land for a new dump site.

"It is our earnest hope that a favourable response from both agencies can be obtained soon to relieve the town dwellers of pollution from the existing overfilled dump site," he said.