{
  "id": 14347396,
  "title": "Cheap imports threaten local manufacturers as SMEs struggle with higher costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/cheap-imports-threaten-local-manufacturers-as-smes-struggle-with",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-14T01:38:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/128319/cheap-imports-threaten-local-manufacturers-as-smes-struggle-with-higher-costs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysian manufacturers, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with cheaper imported goods. This is due to lower production costs in the countries of origin, which give imported products a price advantage. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah explained that factors such as lower labor costs, mass manufacturing, advanced technology, efficient supply chains, favorable exchange rates, and aggressive marketing through e-commerce platforms contribute to the lower prices of imported goods. Dr. Thambirajah emphasized that while healthy competition can benefit consumers through affordable prices and a wider variety of products, the issue arises when imports are sold at artificially low prices through unfair practices or fail to meet safety and quality standards. He stressed that all imported goods must meet the same safety, quality, and regulatory requirements as locally produced items, and that low prices do not always mean poor quality. Dr. Thambirajah called on the government to assist local industries in improving productivity, adopting technology, and increasing production efficiency so they can compete fairly without excessively relying on market protection measures. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, along with the Malaysia Competition Commission, should strengthen price monitoring, improve supply-chain transparency, and investigate any price manipulation or anti-competitive practices. The newspaper reported that continued reliance on cheaper imported products could weaken local manufacturers and increase Malaysia's dependence on foreign suppliers in the long run. Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani warned that domestic producers might struggle to operate if they cannot compete with imported products.",
  "summary": "MALAYSIAN manufacturers, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), face growing pressure from cheaper imported goods as higher domestic production costs make it harder for them to compete on price. Federation of Malaysian Consumers As...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}