Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin sees the concept of a Bumiputera-only mall as an idea that would offer opportunities to new business owners. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 — The Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry said it supports the proposal to start a Bumiputera-only tech trade centre previously dubbed “Low Yat 2” but stressed that traders must only sell original products.

Its newly-appointed Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin said he does not see the concept of a Bumiputera-only mall as racist but an idea that would offer opportunities to new business owners.

“To me, it would not only give opportunities for business but it would also ensure that only original products are sold, which is consistent with the wishes of the ministry that does not want consumers to be cheated,” he was quoted saying at the Lipis Umno division meeting yesterday by Malay daily Berita Harian.

“It would give a positive perception that there is a telecommunication and computing goods centre selling only original products.”

Hamzah added that his ministry was prepared to endorse Low Yat 2 if it truly sold only original products.

Low Yat 2, recently suggested by Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, is proposed to be established at the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) building in Kuala Lumpur where it would only house Bumiputera traders.

The suggestion came following a riot which erupted outside Low Yat Plaza earlier in July, after a 22-year-old man was reportedly handed to the police for allegedly stealing a mobile phone, after which his accomplice contacted their friends who then assaulted workers from a mobile phone store and caused an estimated RM70,000 in damage.