“In the context of our country, we prioritise the ‘buy Malaysian products first’ campaign.

“Malays, Ibans, Kadazan, Chinese, Indians can sell their products as long as they meet the (ministry’s) criteria,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat when questioned by Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera) about the government’s stand on the BMF campaign.

He said his ministry was focusing on healthy competition to ensure that the people get quality items at reasonable prices.

“We encourage competition, not discrimination, not price monopolies.

“The price has to be competitive,” he said, adding that there should be no compromise regarding halal products.

Ismail had raised concerns over some products which were allegedly marketed as halal despite receiving no certification.

The BMF campaign began on social media with the Bumiputera community urged to avoid buying products made by businesses owned by non-Bumiputeras.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad subsequently said he disagreed with the campaign and that such acts would only be done by people with shallow thinking.