KUCHING: The Borneo International Consumers Expo (BICE) 2026 serves as an important platform to strengthen consumer awareness, combat online scams and support local and regional businesses, said Batu Kitang state assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, at the Metrocity Convention Centre here today.
Lo said consumers today face increasing challenges, particularly from online scams, misleading advertisement, product safety issues and rising living costs, making consumer education more critical than ever.
“Every day we hear of people losing money to scams – young and old, educated or not.
“This is why events like this are important, to create awareness and help consumers protect themselves in an increasingly digital marketplace,” he said during his opening speech at BICE 2026 held at the Metrocity Convention Centre.
Lo said the expo goes beyond a conventional exhibition, bringing together government agencies, businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumers on a single platform that integrates trade, consumer education, tourism, and public engagement, reflecting the diversity and strength of Borneo.
He noted that the expo, organised annually and now in its second year, is led by the Sarawak Consumers Association chairman, Wynson Ong, with his team and features around 300 exhibitors from across Borneo and the region.
“The expo brings together a wide range of government departments and agencies, including the Health Department, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), the police and other enforcement and regulatory bodies,” he said.
Lo said the exhibition also features a strong mix of local and regional companies, showcasing food and consumer products, including household appliances and daily necessities, with exhibitors from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore, alongside an exclusive zone highlighting Borneo-branded products.
“This is not just a place to shop. It is a place to learn about consumer rights, how scams happen, how to avoid them, and what government agencies can offer to protect the public,” he said.
He added that the strong participation of agencies such as the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the Land and Survey Department further enhances the expo’s role as a one-stop information centre for the public.
Lo encouraged members of the public to attend the talks and engagement sessions held throughout the expo, stressing that asking questions is key to building informed and confident consumers.
“Do not be afraid to ask questions, whether they are simple or complicated. The questions you ask may be the same ones others want answered. This is how we all learn,” he stressed.
The expo, which runs from today until Sunday, also provides valuable opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to network, expand their markets, and explore new business opportunities.
He also called on consumers to support Sarawak-made products to strengthen the local economy and build sustainable industries.
