PETALING JAYA, Dec 29 — Consumer groups welcome the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry’s collaborative efforts to track down errant traders but are sceptical the ambitious move will be a permanent feature.

Malay Mail reported yesterday the ministry would work with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM), National Registration Department and other government agencies to identify the errant traders.

The consumer groups said the authorities should be more proactive and more vigilant in protecting consumers from rogue traders, rather than wait for incidents such as the Kota Raya Complex brawl to erupt.

Muslim Consumers’ Association of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Dr Maamor Osman said the ministry should not only act when something happened.

“Nonetheless, it is better late than never,” he said.

Maamor said cases of foreigners being swindled at the complex had been going on for some time.

He said the authorities, including the ministry, the police and the CCM, should address complaints and ensure proper enforcement to protect consumers from traders who cheat.

“If everyone goes beyond the call of duty, this kind of incident would not happened,” he said.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association president Datuk Marimuthu Nadeson said the authorities should be more vigilant.

However, he commended the ministry’s efforts, saying: “If they do something good, we should give them the opportunity to do so.”

Asked about the incident where a consumer group purportedly conducted its own raids, he said: “When people are forced into a corner, of course they will act out.”

Malaysian Consumer Association secretary-general Datuk Amarit Singh Gill agreed that it was a good step forward and would serve as a wake-up call for unscrupulous traders.

“It will make them more careful not to take consumers for a ride, and it will be easier for consumers to express their dissatisfaction,” he said.

However, Amarjit said the ministry had to keep up the momentum. “If it is temporary, then everything goes back to status quo or the focus shifts again. Then, we are back to square one,” he said.

He added that people should also use proper channels to air their grouses and not take matters in their own hands.