Lotus’s Malaysia and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) have reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership through the Jom Beli Produk Malaysia (JOM MALAYSIA) 2026 campaign, advancing efforts to help Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) access modern retail markets, strengthen their competitiveness, and build sustainable businesses.
The programme, held at Lotus’s Ampang, was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Rohaizi bin Bahari, Undersecretary of the Distributive Trade and Business Division at KPDN, alongside Azliza Baizura Azmel, Executive Director of Corporate Services at Lotus’s Malaysia.
Representative from Profes Lipid Sdn. Bhd.;
Puan Siti Rohani Omar, Head of Domestic Trade Development Section, Selangor State Office, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN);
Azliza Baizura Azmel, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Lotus’s Malaysia;
Representative from Suito Poteto Sdn. Bhd.;
YBhg. Datuk Rohaizi bin Bahari, Undersecretary, Distributive Trade and Business Division, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN);
Representative from Pawslifestyle Sdn. Bhd.;
Neil Gurusamy, Chief Operating Officer, Lotus’s Malaysia;
Representative from Durio PPE Sdn. Bhd.;
Encik Mohd Helmi bin Abdul Halim, Senior Assistant Secretary, Logo Barangan Malaysia, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), at the symbolic presentation of certificates to Lotus’s new suppliers during the launch of the JOM MALAYSIA 2026 campaign at Lotus’s Ampang on 22 October 2026.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of appointment certificates to new Lotus’s suppliers, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards broader market access and long-term growth. The programme also recognised outstanding SME suppliers for their achievements in sales growth and delivery performance, celebrating the quality, consistency, and commitment required to succeed in the modern retail sector.
Formerly known as Kempen Beli Barangan Malaysia, the initiative was repositioned by KPDN as JOM MALAYSIA in 2026, reflecting a renewed emphasis on promoting Malaysian products while strengthening the enterprises behind them.
For Lotus’s, supporting local enterprises is both a national commitment and a long-term business priority. Through its network of 71 stores nationwide, the retailer provides a platform for homegrown products to reach customers while working with suppliers to strengthen product standards, operational readiness, and supply consistency.
“Behind every Malaysian product is an entrepreneur with an ambition, employees building their livelihoods, and families whose futures are connected to that business,” said Azliza Baizura Azmel, Executive Director of Corporate Services at Lotus’s Malaysia. “Supporting local SMEs means investing in people and the potential of Malaysian businesses. Our role goes beyond providing shelf space. We want to help entrepreneurs build the capabilities and confidence to grow, because when our suppliers succeed, our customers benefit from greater choice and value, and our business becomes stronger alongside them.”
Securing a retail listing is an important milestone for emerging businesses, but maintaining that presence requires continuous improvement. Entrepreneurs must navigate product specifications, packaging requirements, inventory planning, and consistent delivery while adapting to changing consumer preferences. Building these capabilities is essential for establishing lasting commercial relationships with retailers.
Recognising these challenges, Lotus’s continues to support entrepreneur development through its SME Empowerment Seminar, which entered its third edition in 2026 under the theme “Unlock Your Potential – Mastering Business Growth for SMEs.” Each edition has attracted more than 150 participants representing over 80 micro-enterprises, providing practical insights into branding, product quality, supply consistency, and the commercial requirements of modern retail. The seminar complements Lotus’s supplier engagement efforts by helping entrepreneurs better understand industry expectations and identify opportunities to strengthen their operations.
JOM MALAYSIA 2026 also featured a four-day carnival at Lotus’s Ampang, bringing together 20 local entrepreneurs to showcase their products directly to customers. The carnival provided a platform for participating businesses to increase product visibility, engage with shoppers, and gain insights into consumer preferences. For smaller enterprises, these interactions offer valuable feedback on product appeal, pricing, and presentation, helping inform future business decisions. Such exposure also provides an opportunity to build brand awareness among customers who may be discovering these Malaysian products for the first time.
The collaboration between KPDN and Lotus’s demonstrates how government direction and industry expertise can complement each other. By connecting national initiatives with established retail channels, the partnership creates a more supportive environment for Malaysian entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen their market presence and build sustainable commercial relationships.
Through JOM MALAYSIA 2026, Lotus’s and KPDN reaffirm their shared commitment to ensuring that support for Malaysian products translates into stronger businesses, greater consumer choice, and lasting contributions to the domestic economy.
