Get rid of prejudice against local SMI products, M'sian consumers told

Malaysian consumers have been told to get rid of their prejudice against the quality of local small and medium industry (SMI) products in order to support the industry.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Deputy Minister, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said most local SMI products were at par with foreign products in terms of quality and packaging.

"These SMI products such as herbal drinks are certified halal by Jakim (Malaysia Islamic Development Department) and approved by the Health Ministry to ensure they are safe for consumers.

"So, consumers should not have doubts about buying our local SMI products," he said after visiting the sales booth at the East Region SMI Carnival 2016 at East Coast Mall, here, today.

Furthermore, he said the halal certification by Jakim was recognised throughout the world, hence proving that Malaysian SMI products were of quality for use or consumption by consumers.

On the carnival, Tajuddin said it was an initiative to assist SMI operators registered with the ministry, to promote their products to the public and traders.

He said to date, there were 11,200 such entrepreneurs nationwide registered with the ministry.