SEREMBAN: Twenty Rest and Service Areas along the North-South Expressway in Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Perak have been designated as Rest Stop Zones under the Patuh programme starting today.
Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said this initiative aims to strengthen business compliance culture and ensure Malaysia’s trade ecosystem remains conducive and ethical.
She explained that two key initiatives have been introduced as pilot projects including the Patuh Rest Stop Zone and the Patuh Market.
The PLUS Seremban Southbound Rest and Service Area becomes the first Patuh Rest Stop Zone in Malaysia under this programme.
Fuziah stated that the implementation involves 20 out of 29 PLUS rest and service areas in this initial phase before expanding to other highways nationwide.
She noted that these rest areas were selected due to their high visitor traffic and suitability as platforms for consumer education.
The deputy minister emphasised that these locations serve as models of lawful, ethical and integrity-based business practices.
This approach supports the government’s goal of strengthening public confidence in a fair trading system.
Fuziah highlighted that the programme reflects the spirit of cross-agency collaboration among government, industry and consumers.
She confirmed that four other premises will implement the Patuh Programme starting early next year.
These additional premises include supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants and tourism zones.
The Patuh market initiative is expected to strengthen adherence among public market traders nationwide.
This market programme emphasises clear pricing, accurate weighing tools and clean trading environments.
It will first be implemented at one public market in each state before gradual nationwide expansion.
The programme aims to promote traders’ self-regulation in accordance with Malaysian law.
Fuziah launched the programme at the PLUS Seremban Southbound Rest and Service Area earlier today.
The government plans to expand this initiative to other highways across Malaysia following the pilot phase.
This comprehensive approach ensures every initiative is carried out with high impact for consumers and businesses alike. – Bernama
