PETALING JAYA: Malaysian consumers can now browse through http://www.konsumerkini.net.my, the first news portal by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) to update the public on issues relating to consumerism.

Fomca president Datuk Marimuthu Nadason said the one-way communication portal would enable consumers in the country and the global community at large to keep themselves abreast of Fomca's news, views and positions on various affairs affecting consumers.

He said important issues to be addressed would include Fomca's position on the food and fuel subsidies, scams, environmental issues, public transport, competition policy, water and energy policies and marketing.

Johor Baru member of parliament Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, who launched the portal, said it would make it convenient for Fomca to deliver important news and messages to all consumers.

"Through the portal, Fomca can notify consumers about manipulative advertisements or tricky promotions they should be wary of all the time."

Shahrir expressed his support for Fomca's initiatives to boost the public's understanding of consumer affairs.

He also urged the government to give immediate response to people's issues via the portal.

Also present were National Consumer Complaints Centre chief executive officer Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah and Consumer Research and Resource Centre chief executive, Datuk Paul Selva Raj.

Marimuthu, Sha'ani and Selva also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen their alliance.