DSAM Records A Turnover Of RM2.29 Billion In 2002, A 26% Growth

Petaling Jaya (23 May 2003)

At its recent Annual General Meeting, Direct Selling Association of Malaysia (DSAM) announced a combined members’ turnover for 2002 of RM2.29 billion, reflecting an impressive 25.8% growth from 2001(RM1.82 billion). DSAM has 75 members comprising of both local and multinational direct selling companies. The 2002 sales of RM2.29 billion would constitute 65% of the estimated RM3.5 billion total industry sales expected by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.

According to Paul Yee, President of DSAM, “The continued soft market has prompted greater interest in the direct selling opportunity as an alternative or supplementary income source, thus boosting distributors’ overall productivity. This, coupled with the member companies’ more aggressive and focused marketing activities, are the reasons contributing to the improved performance”. He added that prospect for the industry in 2003 and beyond looks bright due to the government’s initiatives to promote the industry and the impending tabling of the Anti Pyramid Act which the Association played an active role in its drafting.

“The recent announcement by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs to relax conditions set within the Direct Sales Act 1993 and those upon direct selling companies, will further spur the industry’s growth. We are happy that the Ministry recognizes the potential of this industry to contribute positively to the economy. Our Domestic Trade Ministry is one of the select few worldwide that positively supports the growth of its direct selling industry through affirmative actions as opposed to the large majority who adopt a more regulatory/controlling approach” continued Paul Yee. Based on 2001 figures, Malaysia ranks 18th largest in the world in terms of sales turnover based on World Federation of Direct Selling Association (WFDSA) statistics and it is expected to move up one or two ranks based on 2002 figures.

The recent Annual General Meeting also saw the re-election of several existing Board members from local and multinational companies. The new Board for the term 2003-2005 consists of:

President: Mr. Paul Yee of Amway (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Vice-President: Mr Frederick Ng of Totalife (M) Sdn Bhd
Honorary Secretary: En Hashim bin Adnan of Oriflame Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd
Treasurer: Mr Khong Che Lam of Grolier (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Board Members: Ms Shirley Tay of Sunrider International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Mr Sam Cheong of CNI Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd
Mr Lew Soon Kiak of Gano Excel Enterprise Sdn Bhd
Ms Julie Yeap of Shaklee Products (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

DSAM was established in October 1978. Its 25th Anniversary celebrations will commence at end of this year and stretch into 2004. A series of activities are being planned in conjunction with the celebrations, which include an awareness building campaign on the direct selling industry through the local media.

As a standard bearer of ethical direct selling, DSAM believes in self-regulation. To inculcate the spirit and practice of ethical direct selling amongst its member companies, DSAM adopts a stringent Code of Conduct in which member companies are to adhere in every aspect of their business.

Note:
Direct Selling Association of Malaysia (DSAM) was formed in October 1978 with the mission to promote ethical direct selling as well as de facto voice of the industry. DSAM presently has 75 members comprising multi-level and single level marketing companies. DSAM, a member of World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), is the only recognized association representing the direct selling industry in Malaysia. DSAM has a close working relationship with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs and several consumer bodies to promote the industry and to ensure consumer protection. DSAM’s secretariat is located at Unit 1702, 17th Floor, Block A, Damansara Intan, No. 1, Jalan SS20/27, 47400 Petaling Jaya

Issued by: Secretariat, Direct Selling Association of Malaysia
For further information,
please contact: Ms. Tay Shieh May at telephone no: 03-7726 9232