The Consumer Affairs Division (CAD) was established in 1976 following the establishment of the National Consumer Advisory Council (NCAC) in 1973 to provide Secretariat Services to the Council as well as conduct consumerism activities.

In 1985, the CAD was merged with the Domestic Trade Division to further enhance the effectiveness of the Division’s function. But because consumer issues encompass a broad perspective, the CAD was re-established in August 1989 to ensure that aspects of consumerism were addressed and given adequate emphasis.

However, with the creation of a new Ministry following the reshuffle of the Cabinet in October 27, 1990, CAD’s functions, roles and responsibilities have been enhanced to enable them to function more effectively. This is in line with the government’s desire to focus on the interests of consumers.

In August 2009 the Consumer Affairs Division (CAD) was renamed the Consumerism Movement (CM) Division in line with the entry of other divisions and agencies from the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) which was disbanded. This name change is in line with the function and responsibility of CM that has been expanded and strengthened.

Consumerism Movement (CM) Division is a core part of the Ministry and it is responsible for disseminating information and implementing consumer awareness activities to all levels of society.

The duties and responsibilities of the Division are carried out by the following 3 (three) sections:

1. Consumerism Movement Development Unit (unit G);

2. Consumer Education and Training Unit (Unit L); and

3. Management Service and Complaints Unit (unit A).

VISION

Create a consumer-friendly society where members are able to protect themselves.

MISSION

Strengthening consumer protection through the formulation of consumerism policy and legislative provisions under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and the regulations thereunder, as well as organize consumerism movement programs and training and advisory services.

1. To increase consumer awareness and protection through training and education on consumerism and the provision of relevant information sources;

2. To develop more effective consumerism movements; and

3. To manage consumer complaints efficiently;

The Main Function of CM covers the following aspects :

1. Plan and implement consumer education programs such as seminars, lectures, workshops and exhibitions on consumerism.

2. Plan and implement consumer awareness programs such as the National Consumer Month, Interactive Consumer Challenges for School Consumer Club, Students Consumers Movement Conference and consumer programs in general

3. Develop domestic consumerism movements through smart partnerships including conducting programs in collaboration with Non-governmental Organization (NGOs), State Consumer Movement (SCM), Regional Consumer Movement (RCM) and Consumer Squad etc.

4. Handle consumer complaints and provide advisory service