Mydin MD defends Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia
Mydin MD said the Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia product recalls were due to labelling and food composition aspects and not because they were unsafe as claimed. — file picKUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 — Accused of selling “sub-standard” goods, Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin said the Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia (KR1M) product recalls were due to labelling and food composition aspects and not because they were unsafe as claimed.
Over the last few weeks, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers have been running down several food products sold in the government-endorsed budget grocery as harmful to humans, prompting an investigation from health officials who yesterday found 13 items that did not comply with the ministry’s Food Regulations 1985.
Ameer, who is managing director of the popular Mydin supermarket chain, is also the representative of local suppliers for KR1M outlets.
He said the items have been taken off the shelves and issued a statement to explain why last night.
“Labelling and composition of the product are two issues that can happen to any of the products at all, especially for new products entering the market.
“It is something that must be corrected and improved, and not classified as ‘unsafe’ or even harmful if consumed,” the entrepreneur said.
He also issued a point-by-point clarification response to PR’s seven allegations.
Ameer said product recalls were caused by many factors and pointed out that many established organisations that were certified to be in compliance with international safety standards have been affected.
He named among others, fast food company McDonald’s, Unilever, Kraft, Nestle and furniture maker Ikea.
“These huge companies did product recalls for the interests of consumers’ safety, protecting the good brand of the company, and most importantly to withstand the good ethics of being an honest merchant,” he said. “The existence of KR1M is seen as a lighted tunnel in business opportunities for the locals to move forward.
“To ensure that the objectives are achieved, a 1 Malaysia label is created carrying generic products and supplies by the manufacturers of SMEs from various races,” he said.
Ameer also said KR1M has taken the initiative to inform all its suppliers of the Ministry of Health’s findings and is sending the contentious goods to be examined in the laboratories. He added that the tests would be carried out periodically.
“To do this is not cheap and easy. For all the 250 1Malaysia products that will be submitted for laboratory examination, the costs incurred shall reach RM300,000,” he said.
He added that the cost was not sponsored by the government, NGOs, KR1M’s management but the manufacturers and suppliers who were mostly regular citizens.
Ameer called for all food and safety complaints to be directed to the Ministry of Health as advised so that immediate action can be taken and accurate information released.
He said updates of KR1M products will be posted on its website, Facebook page and Twitter account.
