KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) — The people should be rational and not too emotional in considering a boycott of products and brands linked to Israel.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek said the action would have an impact on the chain of business in the country including local suppliers and traders.
“I accept the views and respect the rights of individuals and groups in wanting to boycott such products but they should also consider the benefits derived by local companies which supply the raw materials to the industries concerned all this while.
“We should not be too emotional as some of the our people work in such companies,” he told reporters at an Aidilfitri function hosted by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), here, Thursday.
Israeli attacks on Gaza since July 8 have left 1,886 Palestinians dead including hundreds of women and children, many more injured and numerous homes destroyed.
Following this, the Malaysian public and non-governmental organisations have called for the boycott of products produced by companies linked to Israel so as to put economic pressure on the Zionist country.
Meanwhile in a press statement, the ministry said 73,398 business premises nationwide were inspected between July 20 and Aug 5 in conjunction with the implementation of the Raya Puasa Festive Season Price Control Scheme 2014.
The operation resulted in the ministry opening 127 case papers involving two wholesalers and the rest retailers, with the goods seized worth RM6,220.35 and RM14,600 in compound fines imposed on offenders.
— BERNAMA
