Only genuine products to be sold at Low Yat 2, deputy minister says

The proposed setting up of Low Yat 2 will give a new image to telecommunication equipment business as only genuine products will be allowed to be sold there, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin.

He said the existing Low Yat at Plaza Low Yat had a negative connotation to it because checks by the authorities often found imitation telecommunication gadgets and equipment being sold there.

"It will possibly takes time to restore Low Yat's image, so we create a new place with a new image," he told reporters after the ministry's monthly assembly here today.

He said the proposed area for Low Yat 2 had potential to be developed like Akihabara, a well-known electronic and telecommunication centre in Tokyo, Japan.

"The new place is set up not for the interests of bumiputera alone. What is important is that it gives confidence to consumers that they will not be cheated because there will be no imitation products to be sold there," he added.

Recently, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had suggested that a one-stop centre for mobile phone products and gadgets similar to Low Yat plaza, be opened at the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) building exclusively for Malay and Bumiputera traders.

However, some quarters, including MCA, objected to it and viewed it as racist.