CAP Warns Firms Against Paying For Dubious ASEAN Recognitions

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged businesses to verify any claims involving ASEAN-related endorsements or recognitions before making payments to organisers.

Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the association was concerned over reports that private entities were allegedly using the ASEAN name to market recognitions to Malaysian businesses for substantial fees.

He said several businesses had reportedly been approached by organisers offering purported ASEAN-related recognitions costing up to RM30,000.

"Businesses and members of the public should exercise caution and verify any claims of ASEAN endorsement directly through official ASEAN channels before making any payment or entering into agreements with such organisers," he said in a statement yesterday.

Mohideen said ASEAN is an intergovernmental organisation representing its member states and not a commercial entity, adding that its name, emblem and identity should not be used for unauthorised commercial purposes.

He also called on the relevant authorities to investigate whether any laws relating to misleading representations, consumer protection, unfair trade practices or misuse of protected institutional identities had been breached.

The integrity of ASEAN as a respected regional institution must be protected from commercial exploitation and misuse, he added.

-- BERNAMA