KUALA LUMPUR: Posters will be put up in hypermarkets to warn people against scratch-and-win scams. And, a 3,000-strong anti-scratch-and-win squad of volunteers will fan out to raise awareness of this common scam.

Posters have already been hung in prominent places at all Mydin Superstores nationwide. They will be up at Carrefour, Tesco and Giant hypermarkets as well.

The programme is organised by the Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia (PPIM) because millions have been lost to unscrupulous scammers, who attract victims with fantastic prizes that turn out to come with a steep price tag.

The programme was launched yesterday by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry secretary-general Datuk Zain Mohd Dom, who also launched the Consumer Day Forum 2008 at the Malaysian Institute of Integrity.

"Should the situation arise, victims can call 019-356 1000 or 1800-886-800 and they will be advised on what to do," said PPIM secretary-general Datuk Ma'amor Osman.
About 350 people attended the forum organised by PPIM in conjunction with the National Consumer Day celebrations on July 26 and 27.

Zain later presented the Tokoh Kepenggunaan Islam (Toki) award to Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad managing director Datuk Ameer Ali, and the Anugerah Generasi Harapan award to 10-year-old child genius Adi Putra Abdul Ghani.

He also flagged off the Econ Race 2008, which will take place on July 19, from 8am to 4pm, to raise awareness of environmental issues.