Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong's appointment as domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism ministry (KPDNKK) deputy minister will help deal with consumer issues in Sarawak and Sabah.

Malaysian Consumer Associations (FOMCA) deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said many consumer issues affecting consumers in the two states needed attention.

"As an MP from Sarawak, he would certainly understand better the needs of the local people in Sarawak and Sabah.

"Although the ministry has officials in each state, consumer issues need to be raised for attention at a higher level in the government," he told Bernama here.

In the Cabinet reshuffle and restructuring announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Putrajaya yesterday, Henry Sum is one of three new deputy ministers in the Najib administration's new line-up.

The other two are Jerlun MP Datuk Othman Aziz as finance deputy minister and Silam MP Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur as deputy plantation industries and commodities minister.

Henry Sum replaces Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah who was the previous KPDNKK deputy minister.

The post became vacant when Ahmad Bashah became Kedah menteri besar, replacing Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir on Feb 4.