KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Gold Association (MGA), led by its president Dato Wira Louis Ng Chun Hau, has called for an immediate ban on the import, production, and sale of “gold-wrapped silver” and similar deceptive products, warning of their detrimental impact on the country’s precious metals market and consumer trust.
In a statement, MGA expressed concern over how these items, often crafted with a thin gold layer over non-gold materials, closely mimic genuine gold jewellery. Without expert analysis, consumers may struggle to identify the difference, putting them at significant financial risk.
“These counterfeit products undermine market integrity by creating price confusion and distorting the demand for authentic gold,” the association stated.
Protecting Consumers and Industry Integrity
MGA highlighted that many buyers are unwittingly misled into purchasing these products, believing them to be genuine gold, only to later realize their true lack of value. This situation, according to MGA, not only harms individual consumers but also erodes trust in the local gold industry.
“The deceptive nature of these products poses a severe threat to the credibility of Malaysia’s gold market,” MGA noted.
A Strong Call from Dato Wira Louis Ng Chun Hau
Dato Wira Louis Ng Chun Hau urged all industry stakeholders—including manufacturers, importers, retailers, and enforcement agencies—to formally categorize these items as counterfeit gold and implement a complete ban on their sale.
“I strongly appeal to the Customs Department and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living to enforce stricter regulations to eliminate these misleading products from our market,” Ng stated. “This includes monitoring and prohibiting their availability on e-commerce platforms.”
He emphasized that robust enforcement and collaboration among industry players are essential to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring the integrity of Malaysia’s gold market.
Unified Industry Commitment
Following in-depth discussions with key stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, pawnbrokers, and Ar-Rahnu operators, the MGA announced a unanimous decision to reject the production and sale of gold-wrapped silver products.
“This collective agreement demonstrates our industry’s commitment to transparency and authenticity,” the association said. “Manufacturers have agreed to cease production, and retailers will no longer stock these items.”
A Pledge to Protect the Market
The MGA reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the highest standards in Malaysia’s gold industry, ensuring that consumers can trust the quality and authenticity of gold products available in the market.
By taking a firm stand against counterfeit products, Dato Wira Louis Ng Chun Hau and the MGA aim to protect consumers, restore confidence in the gold market, and preserve the long-term stability of Malaysia’s precious metals trade.
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