THE Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is advancing a renewed national focus on consumer rights and empowerment through CONFEST 2025, a flagship festival designed to shape the final direction of the National Consumer Policy 2.0 (Dasar Pengguna Negara 2.0, DPN 2.0).
Taking place at ITCC in Penampang, Sabah, from 11 to 13 July, CONFEST 2025 marks the national celebration of Consumer Day with the theme “Semarak Konsumerisme” (Igniting Consumerism).
The event features a vibrant line-up of student-led competitions including the Battle of the Buskers, Sketsa Muzikal, Bicara Berirama and the Smart Trolley Exploration Challenge, with participants selected through preliminary rounds across states and zones.
While festive in spirit, the event also serves a policy-driven function.
“This programme also acts as an important platform to collect recommendations and views on the National Consumer Policy 2.0 (DPN 2.0). The suggestions and aspirations gathered from youths will form part of the final input in drafting the DPN 2.0,” the ministry said in a statement today.
DPN 2.0, now in its final stages of development, is set to become the central policy reference for all actors in the field of consumer affairs.
The revised framework will clarify the roles and responsibilities of both direct and indirect stakeholders to ensure effective enforcement of consumer protection laws and the accurate dissemination of information to the public.
“DPN 2.0 is designed to strengthen readiness in facing increasingly complex challenges in the consumer ecosystem,” the ministry said, pointing to regulatory shortfalls, low consumer awareness, the circulation of unsafe or non-compliant goods, transactional fraud, and the misuse of artificial intelligence as urgent areas requiring attention.
The policy also recognises the strain of rising living costs on consumers, incorporating a more inclusive and responsive approach. Current initiatives include the Payung Rahmah MADANI programme, the expanded use of the Ihsan MADANI Portal as a price reference platform, and the application of cost-of-living indicators to guide household spending.
At the community level, the ministry has introduced Skuad Kita Pengguna (SKiP), or the “We Are Consumers Squad”, as a grassroots movement to support DPN 2.0’s outreach. Developed under the KITA GEMPUR initiative, SKiP aims to boost public participation in consumer education and advocacy.
According to KPDN, SKiP will assist the ministry in educating the public to become empowered consumers who understand their rights and are confident in taking action in accordance with existing laws and regulations. It will represent all sectors of society—public, private, individual and organisational—in supporting national efforts to improve consumer literacy. It will also carry out collaborative programmes with the private sector, NGOs and rural communities to ensure widespread awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities.
KPDN has set a target of 25,000 registered SKiP members by the end of 2025. These individuals will serve as conduits between the public and the government, helping to ensure that consumer-related issues are addressed with inclusivity and speed.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, speaking from his constituency in Penampang, described DPN 2.0 as central to building “a resilient and informed Malaysian consumer base.” - July 13, 2025
