"Buy Nothing Day" to be observed on July 16 is not a protest of any sort, but a day of self-reflection in relation to consumerism, organisers the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (FOMCA), said.

FOMCA president N Marimuthu said the day would be the start of a four-year-long National Consumer Campaign, aimed at changing the mindset of consumers.

"The era of cheap energy and cheap food is over. The focus is on Malaysians to change their consumer behaviour and take greater responsibility in facing these challenges."

Malaysia hiked petrol prices by 41 per cent last month as world oil prices shot up. Prices of rice, water, food has gone up over the last few months, making papers print tips on saving water, electricity, money etc.

On the 'Buy Nothing Day', the organisers urged the people to bring food from home if they usually ate out. "Spend time with your family instead of going out. The challenge is easy: try simple living for a day."

"It is also a time to think of spending patterns. How much money do you actually spend on your 'real' needs?" Marimuthu said.

Over the next four years, the National Consumer Campaign will also have events like a "No Television Week" and a "Public Transport Week".