Budget 2027: Association Calls For Greater Govt Support To Drive Direct Selling Industry

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Direct Selling Industry Development Association (MDSIDA) has called for greater government allocations and initiatives to develop the direct selling industry in Malaysia in Budget 2027.

Its president, Datuk Seri Dr Barani Karunakaran, said greater government support would strengthen the industry, drive continued growth and enhance its contribution to the domestic economy.

“We really want the government to endorse the direct selling sector. With more funding for the development of the industry, we can educate and raise awareness among the public. I think the government has to play this important role of educating the public together with MDSIDA. We really need to educate the public so they understand the difference between scams and the legitimate direct selling industry,” he told Bernama after the MDSIDA New Name and Logo Launching Ceremony today.

Barani said greater support should be extended to local direct selling companies, which play an important role in driving the industry, particularly through the promotion of Malaysian-made products.

“When we talk about local-based products or ‘Barangan Buatan Malaysia’, we are already supporting this initiative because most of the products we carry are Malaysian-made. Therefore, supporting local companies is also equivalent to supporting Malaysian-made products, and (driving) growth for the industry,”  he added.

Furthermore, he called for more funding to host programmes to raise public awareness and strengthen engagement between the public and the direct selling industry.

“With this kind of allocation and support, we can have a Direct Selling Day or a Direct Selling Expo and other programmes. Additionally, the government should also consider encouraging retirees, including retired civil servants, to get involved in direct selling as part of their retirement plan,” he added.

According to Barani, Malaysia has more than four million distributors across direct selling companies. In 2024, Malaysia’s direct selling industry grew 7.4 per cent to RM34.4 billion from RM32.04 billion in 2023.

-- BERNAMA