Published: Friday January 30, 2009 MYT 4:56:00 PM

By FLORENCE A. SAMY

PETALING JAYA: Consumers have been advised to spend within their means and be mindful of their consumption during these challenging times.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Datuk N. Marimuthu said consumers have the power to make a difference during the financial meltdown, which would have a significant effect on workers and consumers.

“Blaming and complaining will not help but will make us more stressed out and angry. We need to take control of the situation, be more resilient and learn new skills and knowledge to adapt to these challenges,” he said Friday at the launch of “2009 -- Towards Mindful Consumption Campaign.”

The campaign was in line with the 2008-2012 National Consumer Campaign themed “Change Begins With Me.” Also present were campaign partner representatives from Cuepacs, Malaysian Youth Council and the National Council of Women’s Organisation.

Campaign coordinator and Consumer Research and Resource Centre chief executive officer Paul Selva Raj said a mindful consumer was one who was conscious of his income, aware of his needs and wants, and purchases goods based on his needs.

Being a mindful consumer, he said, included planning one’s purchase, reducing impulse buying, sticking to one’s budget and using public transportation.

One of the campaign’s priorities, he said, was to conduct training and reach out to youths from a young age to ensure they do not get entangled in debt.

“Out aim is to see behavioural changes with see fewer credit card debts and bankruptcies,” he added.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/30/nation/20090130165507&sec=nation