AirAsia collaborates with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs to support ‘Buy Malaysia Products’ campaign
SEPANG, 18 APRIL 2019 – AirAsia announced it would collaborate with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs to support the Government’s ‘Buy Malaysia Products’ campaign.
The campaign aims to drive domestic economic growth and improve global awareness of the quality of Malaysian-made goods.
In support of this, AirAsia will work to source more local suppliers and products for its inflight and cafe menus, and waive listing fees for more than 550 local businesses who are looking to expand their product offering to AirAsia’s one-stop travel shop, airasia.com, as well as its e-commerce marketplaces OURSHOP and ROKKI.
AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “As Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, AirAsia plays an integral role in supporting Asean economies, especially in Malaysia where we are one of the country’s top employers. We are committed to supporting local jobs and businesses and we hope that, through this campaign, we can help grow local and social enterprises and make buying decisions that promote and showcase homegrown, regional products to the world.”
Malaysia-sourced products already make up around half of AirAsia’s Santan and T&CO coffee menus, with the airline supporting local manufacturing of items such as the Pendang Mineral Water, T&CO’s BBQ Potato Chips and Hokkien Prawn Noodles, which are sold exclusively on board AirAsia flights.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail said: “We are excited to work with AirAsia, a home-grown brand that is recognised across the globe on a joint initiative to raise awareness of the quality of Malaysia’s products and services, help local businesses expand their market reach and boost our national economy. When a local business succeeds, the pride and joy is shared by all Malaysians. We hope that with this collaboration, many more fruitful partnerships can be formed with other industry giants.”
The Ministry will identify and provide entrepreneurs with business mentoring as well as help guide and facilitate product licensing and production quality standards as required by AirAsia. The Ministry will also work with the entrepreneurs to manage any consumer complaints that arise as part of the program.
The collaboration was announced today by AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes and Malaysia’s Minister for Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail at AirAsia’s global headquarters, RedQ, in Malaysia.
Malaysian businesses interested in finding out more should register with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs’ SME Program here.
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About Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
The objectives of the Ministry are to promote the development of a viable, competitive and sustainable domestic economy, specifically in the Distributive Trade Sector. At the same time, the Ministry is committed in protecting the interest and rights of consumers. This includes development of an ecosystem of consumers and businesses that complement each other towards self-regulation, in line with the aspirations of people in a developed country. It is hoped that matured and ethical consumers and business can be developed, with the outcome of an economically and socially balanced nation.