Legal approaches to consumer protection in packaged food regulation: A Comparative study of Indonesia and Malaysia
Keywords:
Consumer Protection, Food Law, Legal Regulation, Comparative Study, ASEAN IntegrationAbstract
The increasing circulation of packaged food across ASEAN borders raises urgent concerns regarding consumer protection and regulatory consistency. Despite shared regional goals, Indonesia and Malaysia have adopted distinct legal approaches to governing food safety and labeling. This study investigates and compares the regulatory frameworks of both countries to access their effectiveness in protecting consumers. Using a normative legal method and comparative method and comparative analysis, it examines key legislation, institutional roles, and enforcement mechanisms. The findings reveal fundamental differences in regulatory structure, coordination, and implementation, which may affect consumer rights and cross-border food trade. The study highlights the legal innovations and best practices found in each jurisdiction and process steps toward regulatory harmonization. By bridging these differences, the research contributes to ongoing discourse on ASEAN integration and the strengthening of legal standards for food safety and consumer protection in the region.
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