KUALA LUMPUR – The nation’s economists are calling for the government to take decisive action to bolster public-led efforts to boycott Israeli-made products and goods associated with the Zionist state.
They argue that a comprehensive approach could yield long-term effectiveness.
The economists emphasise the need for the government to spearhead the boycott against all imported Israeli products, particularly those routed through Europe or other international channels.
Assoc Prof Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid asserts that the responsibility to boycott such products lies with the public, encompassing consumers and the private sector alike.
Additionally, he stresses the importance of rigorous due diligence in handling imported goods.
“Identifying products and services from Israel within the global supply chain is challenging. However, consumer demand drives supply. Hence, consumers must conscientiously abstain from purchasing or consuming Israeli-made products and services.”
“Therefore, consumers must be conscious and feel guilty about purchasing or consuming Israel-made products and services,” Aimi explained.
“Malaysia has certainly had experience boycotting the import of overseas goods. The then prime minister in the 80s had once announced the ‘Buy British Last’ policy, which created a tremendous chain of events.”
Meanwhile, Assoc Prof Ida Md Yasin of Putra Business School underscored the power of consumer action and social vigilance in preventing the sale of Israeli goods in local markets.
She highlighted the government’s firm stance against Israel, exemplified by its non-recognition of Israel on international passports.
However, Ida acknowledges challenges, citing recent incidents such as the controversy over Medjool dates, where some products labelled as Israeli still managed to enter the country through deceptive means.
“The government has always been stern and firm in their stance against Israel, to the point that even our international passport does not recognise them as a country.
“I am sure that if there’s any package with ‘Made in Israel’ arriving at the port, it would not be released to the local importers. That’s how stern the government is about boycotting Israel.
“However, if we look at the recent controversy over the Medjool dates, we can’t help but acknowledge that some sellers continue to ignore the government’s and country’s stance (in this matter).
She urges the public to collaborate with authorities, emphasising the importance of reporting any instances of Israeli products being sold locally.
Despite the difficulties in monitoring every shipment, Ida emphasised the importance of community vigilance in curbing the circulation of Israeli goods.
“Some sellers do not care… they want profits. This is why we have seen some products enter this country through deception, where they were brought in from Europe or other international water routes and repackaged.
“This is why social and community policing is so important when it comes to purchasing imported goods, because these groups have a responsibility to report any Israel-made products sold locally to the authorities,” she explained.
She also urged the public to work with authorities to prevent Israeli-made products from being sold in the country.
“Information is power. So, if anyone comes across such products, I urge them to file a report with the authorities.
“As much as we can rely on due diligence, it is difficult for port authorities to inspect every container or box of goods that enter the country. Even so, I am quite sure none are labelled ‘Made in Israel’.
“Such goods are frequently repackaged once they reach the seller’s warehouse,” she said.
Yesterday, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali reaffirmed the government’s commitment to monitor the sale of Israeli products.
He pledged action against parties violating the Trade Description Act 2011, following the recent seizure of Israeli-origin dates.
This came after the news that 73 packs of organic jumbo Medjool dates from Israel had been seized by the Customs Department recently.
Customs Department deputy director-general (Enforcement and Compliance) Datuk Sazali Mohamad was reported as saying that the dates were brought to Malaysia from Europe and declared as foodstuffs before being repackaged for sale.
In response, Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid suggested focusing on developing the local date industry, urging the government to prioritise domestic production. – March 15, 2024