Dato’ Zakaria bin Shaaban, esteemed as the Deputy Secretary General of Consumer Empowerment within the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, possesses a rich career spanning more than 25 years in civil service. Beginning his journey with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, he subsequently contributed his expertise to diverse ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage Malaysia, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Public Service Department Malaysia, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, the Prime Minister's Department of Malaysia, the National Disaster Management Agency, and the Immigration Department of Malaysia, before rejoining the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. His multifaceted background underscores a profound commitment to both professional excellence and public service.
In his current capacity, Dato’ Zakaria is entrusted with the pivotal task of formulating and coordinating policies and legislation concerning consumerism, in line with the government's unwavering dedication to safeguarding consumer rights. Moreover, under his adept guidance, he meticulously oversees the review, design, and enforcement of legislation pertaining to consumer product safety standards. Through proactive advocacy initiatives, he champions adherence to standards and ensures the safety of consumer goods across all societal strata, in accordance with the National Consumer Policy. Additionally, Dato’ Zakaria assumes the crucial responsibility of disseminating information and spearheading consumer awareness programs aimed at educating individuals across all levels of society.