Kuatkuasakan syarat sama ke atas barang import, lindungi PKS tempatan

Malaysia's small and medium enterprises (PKS) face a severe disadvantage in competitiveness due to identical import requirements, including licensing, safety, pollution fees, and mandatory labeling, said Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Samenta) president William Ng. Ng emphasized that local manufacturers are currently facing an unfair competitive situation, particularly in the fashion, apparel, footwear, plastic, household necessities, and electronics sectors.

Import products often enter the market at lower prices than Malaysian raw materials, avoiding costs associated with local compliance, quality control, and tax obligations. Ng stated that manufacturers and brand owners in Malaysia cannot compete with the consistently low prices of imported goods. The food and beverage industries also face similar pressures, while manufacturers of construction materials, tools, metal, plastic, packaging, and furniture are also affected by higher compliance costs, labor, and utilities.

Ng cited a recent report from the Global Institute for Tomorrow (GIFT), founder Chandran Nair, warning that the influx of foreign goods, including from China, could jeopardize local businesses and lead to job losses. Ng pointed out that online marketplace platforms exacerbate the supply-chain gap by offering subsidies on logistics costs and facilitating continuous shipments from factories to consumers.

To level the playing field, Ng suggested that Malaysian exporters must adhere to the same standards imposed on local manufacturers, including SIRIM quality certification, safety requirements, energy efficiency ratings, and mandatory multilingual labeling. He urged the strengthening of customs inspections and warehouse audits to curb mislabeling of transshipment goods while emphasizing the importance of lower-than-actual declared values as a major issue plaguing continued import from domestic factories.

Ng noted that the pressure is increasing as Chinese manufacturers seek new export markets to consume surplus inventory from domestic capacity and slow-moving inventories. Samenta does not advocate for comprehensive protection of the domestic industry but calls for stronger enforcement and assistance to help PKS improve their competitive position.

This includes tax rebates and matching grants for automation, digital transformation, ESG compliance, and research and development to help PKS maintain their position in the value chain. Nair stated that while the WTO does not prohibit domestic industry protection, it should not violate WTO rules. He added that domestic capacity overcapacity and slow consumption may draw Chinese exporters and middlemen to Malaysia, making it the primary target in open economies.

Sunway University economist Yeah Kim Leng said cheap imported goods are a double-edged sword, benefiting consumers with lower prices while putting PKS under intense competition. He emphasized that mere enforcement is insufficient, and PKS must ensure their products remain competitive. "Otherwise, it will be a significant challenge.

They need to enhance product features, move up the value chain, or change their business models," he said.