The Global Scenario is becoming increasingly tougher and more challenging. Job losses, increasing food prices and increasing crime are some of these challenges. The financial melt-down will undoubtedly have significant effect on Malaysian workers and consumers, no matter how rosy the picture painted by some.  We are heading towards increasing unpredictability and uncertainty.  No one, not even the so called experts dare definitively say when we will get out of it.

 In the light of this new reality FOMCA, in partnership with the National Council of Women Organizations (NCWO), Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), and the Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) undertaking a four  year (2008 -2012) National Consumer Campaign (Kempen Konsumer Kebangsaan or 3K Campaign).

The theme of the Campaign is “Change Begins With Me”.

Two key strategies of the National Campaign are monthly Campaigns, focusing on specific areas of mindful consumption and secondly, grassroot training for women, youths, workers, and residents of rural and urban communities.

On the 30th January 2009 we launched the:

 Mindful consumption is about becoming more aware of one’s beliefs and attitudes that influence our spending and consumption patterns.  Do we purchase based on our true needs or to:

…….be cool
…… keep up with our neighbors
…….show to the word “we have arrived”
…….the adverts show if I use this product I will “be all I can be”
……using a product because we have always used it
……the more expensive the brand, the higher the quality

Mindful consumption is about challenging those beliefs and habits that lead to wasteful behavior and environmental degradation. The first step in building a mindful consumer is becoming more aware of our beliefs and our habits:

·        A mindful consumer is conscious of his income and his expenditure
·        A mindful consumer is aware of his needs and wants
·        A mindful consumer is concerned for both his present as well as his future needs
·        A mindful consumer substantially spends based on his needs
·        A mindful consumer is open to ideas that can lead to sustainable consumption
·        A mindful consumer respects all life and natural processes
·        A mindful consumer seeks his identity not by what he possesses