Don’t take protectionist measures against cheap online imports, says Warisan veep
Junz Wong calls for local businesses to be strengthened and the cost of doing business reviewed, so that consumers do not bear higher prices due to inefficiencies in the system.
Warisan vice-president Junz Wong has cautioned against implementing protectionist measures against the flood of cheap goods imported via online platforms, particularly from China. Instead, the federal government should focus on enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses by addressing inefficiencies within the system, according to Wong.
He emphasized that consumers should not be burdened with higher prices due to issues such as unreliable electricity, water disruptions, and exorbitant logistics costs. Wong highlighted that Malaysia's reliance on logistics, limited manufacturing capabilities, and subpar infrastructure contribute to escalating prices. This concern comes as a Cabinet committee has been established to examine the influx of low-cost imported products through online channels, with efforts aimed at promoting and utilizing local products.
Wong urged the government to reassess taxation and regulatory constraints on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to mitigate the continuous surge in the cost of living. He asserted that escalating expenses, encompassing rent, wages, utilities, logistics, and taxes, would ultimately be absorbed by consumers.
Wong argued that enhancing infrastructure, logistics, and manufacturing capabilities should be prioritized over measures that stifle competition. Among the online platforms delivering inexpensive goods are the Chinese e-commerce platform Pinduoduo.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
