Federation of Malaysians Consumers Associations

ADDRESSING HIDDEN HOSPITAL CHARGES: ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY IN MALAYSIA'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

2025-04-08T18:31:57+00:00

In January 2025, Azrul Mohd Khalib who is the Chief Executive of the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, highlighted that an estimated 70% of private hospital charges remain unregulated. This means that hospitals have the liberty to set arbitrary prices for a range of items and services, including essential medical equipment such as wheelchairs, heart monitors, and even emesis basins. Only 30% of hospital bills are regulated, primarily covering specialist fees and medication. This lack of oversight has led to numerous cases where patients unknowingly pay excessive sum of medical bills for items that should otherwise be reasonably priced.

Hidden hospital charges, often labelled as profiteering, are a widespread problem in Malaysia. For example, a simple medical glove that costs RM5 per pair might be billed at RM20. In most cases, this creates an unjust financial burden on patients who pay these inflated charges without question. The issue arises primarily because patients rarely scrutinise their medical bills, either due to a lack of knowledge or because they assume that everything charged is legitimate. As a result, they end up shouldering excessive costs without the ability to challenge these expenses.

One of the most alarming aspects of hidden hospital charges is the suppression of information. Some hospitals use this tactic to increase their revenue without the patient's awareness. A notable NCCC’s case involves Complainant B and Hospital C, where Complainant B’s daughter, a minor under 12 years old, was diagnosed with a cervical cyst. The hospital proceeded with numerous procedures without informing Complainant B that certain treatments were not covered under his company's insurance.

Complainant B, who relied on a Guarantee Letter issued by his company, believed that all medical expenses would be covered. However, despite knowing which procedures were claimable and which were not, the hospital failed to communicate this crucial information. The bulk of the hospital bill was covered by insurance, yet Complainant B was left with an out-of-pocket expense of RM5,000. Following several rounds of negotiation, the hospital agreed to reduce the amount to RM3,500 after a discount. Nevertheless, Complainant B found this sum to be substantial, reinforcing the reality that many patients face when dealing with unexpected hospital charges.

Malaysia's current healthcare system lacks a clear mechanism for patients to challenge such costs, unlike in countries that have implemented price transparency regulations. For instance, the United States of America has introduced the Hospital Price Transparency Rule on 1 January 2021 which makes it a requirement for hospitals to publicly disclose a list of their standard charges for various services. This rule enables patients to compare hospital prices before seeking treatment and allowing them to make informed financial decisions regarding their medical care. Similarly, Singapore is set to introduce the Health Information Bill in mid-2024, which will improve transparency in healthcare pricing and data management. The country also has a robust regulatory system where medical costs in public hospitals are monitored, and pricing is often published online, allowing patients to compare treatment costs across different hospitals.

SIARAN MEDIA: SAMBUTAN HARI HAK PENGGUNA SEDUNIA 2025 MENEKANKAN PERALIHAN GAYA HIDUP LESTARI SECARA ADIL

2025-03-18T16:47:57+00:00

SIARAN MEDIA: SAMBUTAN HARI HAK PENGGUNA SEDUNIA 2025 MENEKANKAN PERALIHAN GAYA HIDUP LESTARI SECARA ADIL

Gabungan Persatuan-persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) telah menganjurkan Majlis Perasmian Sambutan Hari Hak Pengguna Sedunia 2025 bertempat di SMK Cheras Jaya pada 17 Mac 2025, yang dirasmikan oleh Yang Berusaha Encik Mohd Zaid Bin Idris, Pengarah Bahagian Gerakan Kepenggunaan, Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN). Majlis sambutan ini turut dihadiri oleh pelbagai pihak berkepentingan termasuk Yang Berbahagia Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr. Marimuthu Nadason, Presiden FOMCA dan juga Consumers International, Ketua Cawangan KPDN Kajang, Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Selangor, Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Hulu Langat, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, guru-guru, pelajar dan warga kerja SMK Cheras Jaya, serta wakil media.

FOMCA memilih Majlis Sambutan Hari Hak Pengguna Sedunia tahun ini dibuat di sekolah bagi memberi ruang kepada pelajar, guru dan warga sekolah untuk memahami kepentingan kepenggunaan lestari. Dengan adanya kesedaran yang lebih tinggi, diharapkan masyarakat dapat bersama-sama mengambil langkah untuk memperkukuh usaha ke arah gaya hidup lestari secara adil.

FOMCA menegaskan bahawa perubahan iklim yang semakin ekstrem dan kesan negatifnya terhadap keterjaminan makanan, kepupusan biodiversiti, serta pencemaran alam sekitar memerlukan perhatian serius daripada semua pihak. Krisis ini bukan sahaja memberi kesan kepada alam sekitar tetapi juga kepada ekonomi dan sosial, seterusnya merencat pencapaian Matlamat Pembangunan Lestari (Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs).

Tema "Peralihan Gaya Hidup Lestari Secara Adil" merujuk kepada usaha untuk menggalakkan masyarakat mengamalkan gaya hidup yang lebih mesra alam secara adil, inklusif, dan mampan. Konsep ini menekankan beberapa elemen penting:

Gaya Hidup Lestari (Sustainable Lifestyles)

Mengurangkan penggunaan sumber yang berlebihan seperti tenaga, air, dan plastik.
Mengamalkan penggunaan produk yang lebih mesra alam dan boleh dikitar semula.
Menyokong kitaran ekonomi dengan mengurangkan pembaziran dan memanjangkan hayat sesuatu produk.
Menggalakkan diet yang lebih sihat dan mesra alam, seperti mengurangkan pembaziran makanan dan menyokong pertanian yang mampan.

Peralihan yang Adil (A Just Transition)
Memastikan perubahan ke arah kehidupan lestari tidak membebankan golongan berpendapatan rendah.
Menyediakan akses yang saksama kepada sumber yang mampan seperti tenaga boleh baharu, pengangkutan awam mesra alam, dan makanan sihat yang mampu milik.
Menyokong pekerjaan hijau (green jobs) dan memastikan pekerja dalam industri yang terkesan (contohnya industri bahan api fosil) mendapat peluang pekerjaan alternatif dalam sektor hijau.
Mengelakkan jurang sosial dengan memastikan semua lapisan masyarakat, termasuk golongan luar bandar dan rentan, mendapat manfaat daripada peralihan ini.
Tindakan Pengguna dan Komuniti
Pengguna diberi pilihan yang lebih mudah dan mampu milik untuk membuat keputusan yang mampan.
Pendidikan dan kesedaran mengenai impak penggunaan terhadap alam sekitar dan kesejahteraan sosial ditingkatkan.
Kerjasama antara kerajaan, syarikat, dan masyarakat untuk menyediakan infrastruktur dan insentif bagi menyokong amalan lestari.

Contoh Peralihan Gaya Hidup Lestari Secara Adil

Penggunaan tenaga: Meningkatkan akses kepada tenaga boleh baharu seperti solar dan angin, terutama bagi komuniti luar bandar, tanpa membebankan kos kepada mereka.
Pengangkutan: Memastikan pengangkutan awam yang cekap, selesa, dan mampu milik supaya lebih ramai orang dapat mengurangkan penggunaan kenderaan persendirian yang mencemarkan alam.
Makanan: Memastikan makanan sihat seperti sayur-sayuran organik mudah didapati pada harga berpatutan.
Pembuangan sisa: Menggalakkan kitar semula dengan menyediakan sistem pengumpulan sisa yang lebih mudah dan berkesan.

Segala perubahan dasar polisi yang berkaitan peralihan ke arah gaya hidup lestari perlu dilaksanakan dengan adil supaya setiap individu, tanpa mengira status ekonomi atau lokasi, dapat menikmati faedahnya tanpa menanggung beban yang berlebihan. Ia bukan sahaja penting untuk kesejahteraan alam sekitar tetapi juga untuk memastikan keseimbangan sosial dan ekonomi dalam masyarakat.

Oleh itu, FOMCA menyeru pengguna untuk memainkan peranan lebih aktif dalam mengamalkan gaya hidup lestari melalui pemilihan makanan, cara pergerakan, penggunaan tenaga, serta pemilihan produk dan perkhidmatan yang lebih mesra alam.

PROF EMERITUS DATUK DR. MARIMUTHU NADASON

Presiden

PRESS RELEASE: WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY 2025 CELEBRATION EMPHASIZES JUST TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES

2025-03-18T16:46:57+00:00

PRESS RELEASE: WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY 2025 CELEBRATION EMPHASIZES JUST TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) organized the Official Launch of World Consumer Rights Day 2025 at SMK Cheras Jaya on March 17, 2025, which was officiated by Yang Berusaha Encik Mohd Zaid Bin Idris, Director of the Consumer Movement Division from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). The event was attended by various stakeholders, including Yang Berbahagia Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr. Marimuthu Nadason, President of FOMCA and Consumers International, Head of KPDN Kajang Branch, the Selangor State Education Department, The District Education Office of Hulu Langat, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, teachers, students, and staff from SMK Cheras Jaya, as well as media representatives.

FOMCA chose to hold this year’s World Consumer Rights Day celebration at school to provide an opportunity for students, teachers, and the school community to understand the importance of sustainable consumption. With heightened awareness, it is hoped that the community will collectively take steps to strengthen efforts towards a just transition to a sustainable lifestyle.

FOMCA emphasized that the increasingly extreme climate change and its negative effects on food security, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution require serious attention from all parties. This crisis not only impacts the environment but also the economy and society, hindering the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year's theme, "A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles," focuses on encouraging society to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle in a fair, inclusive, and sustainable manner. The concept highlights several key elements:

Sustainable Lifestyles:

Reducing excessive consumption of resources such as energy, water, and plastic.
Promoting the use of more eco-friendly and recyclable products.
Supporting the circular economy by reducing waste and extending the lifespan of products.
Encouraging healthier and more environmentally friendly diets, such as reducing food waste and supporting sustainable agriculture.

A Just Transition:

Ensuring that the transition to sustainable lifestyles does not burden low-income groups.
Providing equitable access to sustainable resources such as renewable energy, eco-friendly public transportation, and affordable healthy food.
Supporting green jobs and ensuring that workers in affected industries (e.g., fossil fuel industries) have alternative employment opportunities in the green sector.
Avoiding social gaps by ensuring all layers of society, including rural and vulnerable groups, benefit from this transition.

Consumer and Community Action:

Providing consumers with easier and affordable choices to make sustainable decisions.
Increasing education and awareness about the impact of consumption on the environment and social well-being.
Encouraging collaboration between the government, companies, and society to provide infrastructure and incentives to support sustainable practices.

Examples of A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles:

Energy Use: Increasing access to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, especially for rural communities, without burdening them with additional costs.
Transportation: Ensuring efficient, comfortable, and affordable public transportation so more people can reduce their use of private vehicles that pollute the environment.
Food: Ensuring that healthy foods, such as organic vegetables, are easily accessible at affordable prices.
Waste Disposal: Encouraging recycling by providing a more efficient and effective waste collection system.

Any policy changes related to the transition towards a sustainable lifestyle must be implemented justly to ensure that every individual, regardless of economic status or location, can benefit without undue burden. This is not only important for environmental well-being but also to ensure social and economic balance in society.

Therefore, FOMCA urges consumers to play a more active role in adopting sustainable lifestyles through choices related to food, transportation, energy use, and the selection of eco-friendly products and services.

PROF EMERITUS DATUK DR. MARIMUTHU NADASON

President

HARI HAK-HAK PENGGUNA SEDUNIA , 15 MAC 2022 - PRESS RELEASE

2022-03-13T20:59:13+00:00

PELANCARAN MELALUI MEDIA SOSIAL

Link Pelancaran: https://fb.watch/bKtlFNp_8w/
Press Kit for members of Media - https://cutt.ly/3A2OHEX

HARI HAK-HAK PENGGUNA SEDUNIA, 15 MAC 2022
TEMA: KESAKSAMAAN KEWANGAN DIGITAL

Hari Hak Pengguna Sedunia disambut setiap tahun pada 15 Mac untuk meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai hak dan keperluan pengguna. Hari Hak Pengguna Sedunia telah diselaraskan oleh Consumers International dan dilancarkan pada tahun 1983, yang diiktiraf di seluruh dunia. Meraikan hari tersebut merupakan peluang untuk pengguna menuntut perlindungan dan penghormatan hak pengguna. Hari Hak Pengguna Sedunia ini merupakan momen global untuk meningkatkan kesedaran dan memacu perubahan yang bermakna dan berpanjangan mengenai cabaran mendesak yang dihadapi oleh pengguna di seluruh dunia.

Hari Hak Pengguna Sedunia bagi tahun 2022 bertemakan Fair Digital Finance yang bermaksud kesaksamaan dalam kewangan digital.

Meningkatkan Peranan Perkhidmatan Kewangan Digital (PKD)

Perkhidmatan kewangan digital (PKD) dan Teknologi Kewangan telah memacu perubahan ketara di seluruh dunia.

• Menjelang tahun 2024, pengguna perbankan digital dijangka melebihi 3.6 bilion.
• Di negara membangun, perkadaran pemilik akaun yang menghantar dan menerima pembayaran secara digital telah meningkat daripada 57% (tahun 2014) kepada 70% (tahun 2017)

Risiko PKD

Walaupun terdapat banyak faedah perkhidmatan kewangan digital, pelbagai cabaran pengguna dapat dilihat dengan jelas. PKD telah mencipta risiko baru dan juga memburukkan lagi risiko cara tradisional, antaranya ialah:
• Terma tidak dijelaskan pada jualan;
• Caj atau bayaran yang tersembunyi atau dinaikkan;
• Terma dan syarat kontrak yang tidak adil;
• Cabaran Perlindungan Data – Semakin banyak data pengguna yang dikumpul oleh penyedia PKD, semakin tinggi risiko penyalahgunaan data pengguna; dan
• Penipuan – Semua pengguna terutamanya golongan rentan yang berisiko tinggi dengan kes jenayah yang semakin meningkat seperti penipuan, pernyataan palsu, phishing dan juga mudah terpedaya dengan amalan perniagaan yang mengelirukan. Di seluruh dunia terdapat peningkatan sebanyak 149% dalam penipuan perkhidmatan kewangan digital berbanding tahun 2020

Terdapat bukti kukuh yang menunjukkan risiko ini telah meningkat sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini dan krisis seperti pandemik COVID-19 telah menggalakkan lagi risiko ini, di mana pengguna yang rentan lebih senang terdedah akibat kesempitan ekonomi.

Sifat PKD yang berkembang pesat menunjukkan keperluan untuk mengawal selia perkhidmatan dan produk PKD yang lebih inovatif dan berpusat pada perlindungan dan pemerkasaan pengguna.

Kesaksamaan Kewangan Digital
Ahli Pasukan Petugas Hari Hak Pengguna Sedunia, telah mentakrifkan kesaksamaan kewangan digital sebagai produk dan perkhidmatan yang inklusif, selamat dan data peribadi yang dilindungi dan persendirian.

INKLUSIF: Semua pengguna, termasuk golongan yang paling rentan, mesti diberikan kemudahan capaian, infrastruktur dan peralatan digital untuk menyokong dan mengurus kewangan mereka.

SELAMAT : Semua pengguna, termasuk golongan yang paling rentan, mesti dilindungi daripada penipuan, pernyataan palsu dan phishing.

DATA PERIBADI DILINDUNGI DAN PERSENDIRIAN: Semua pengguna, termasuk yang paling rentan, mesti mempunyai data peribadi yang dilindungi dan bersifat persendirian.

PENIPUAN DI MALAYSIA

Pengguna telah hilang jutaan ringgit akibat penipuan. Menurut Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Komersial (JSJK) Bukit Aman, antara tahun 2019 dan 2020 pengguna telah kerugian sejumlah RM 541.8 juta disebabkan oleh penipuan.

Dengan penumpuan isu Keselamatan, sempena Hari Hak Pengguna Sedunia 2022, FOMCA akan menjalankan tiga program pemerkasaan untuk melindungi pengguna daripada penipuan. Antara program tersebut adalah:

1. FOMCA bersama Bank Negara Malaysia akan melancarkan Majalah Ringgit Digital, yang bertujuan untuk mendidik pengguna, terutamanya pengguna muda untuk mengamalkan gaya hidup mampan dan amalan pengurusan kewangan peribadi di kalangan pengguna Malaysia. Versi Digital Ringgit akan dirasmikan oleh Y Bhg Encik Abu Hassan Alshari Bin Yahaya, Assistant Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia. Majalah Ringgit Digital akan diterbitkan melalui edisi portal Digital yang boleh digunakan untuk berkongsi maklumat dengan pihak berkepentingan terutamanya pengguna. Ia akan diterbitkan setiap 2 bulan sekali. Ia juga boleh didapati di laman web FOMCA dan Bank Negara Malaysia.
Link: https://cutt.ly/kA2UtAd

2. Mewujudkan kesedaran melalui media sosial (Tiktok, Facebook dan Instagram) – FOMCA akan bekerjasama dengan influencer dalam menyampaikan mesej kesedaran mengenai penipuan. Mesej kesedaran tersebut akan menumpukan tiga kes penipuan online yang berbeza yang diterima oleh National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC).
Link: https://fb.watch/byMZrEe6ok/

3. FOMCA juga akan memuat naik program pendidikan pengguna mengenai tips perlindungan diri daripada penipuan perbankan, penipuan pelaburan serta penipuan yang lain. FOMCA akan bekerjasama dengan pihak berkuasa yang berkaitan untuk membangunkan bahan pendidikan tersebut. Program pendidikan yang pertama mengenai Penipuan Kewangan akan dimuat naik pada 15 Mac 2022.
Link: https://fb.watch/bKsJP2tF94/

Bagi memastikan KESAKSAMAAN KEWANGAN DIGITAL untuk masyarakat pengguna, FOMCA akan terus memberikan tumpuan untuk melindungi pengguna daripada sebarang penipuan.

HAS YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY INCREASED THE PRICE OF YOUR MEDICAL PREMIUMS?

2021-05-24T19:26:34+00:00

PRESS RELEASE / SIARAN MEDIA

10th MAY 2021

HAS YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY INCREASED THE PRICE OF YOUR MEDICAL PREMIUMS?

FOMCA has been recently receiving many complaints from policy holders of medical insurance of indiscriminate increase in the price of their premiums. We are concerned of how extensive this issue this and how many consumers have been similarly affected by the price increase of their premiums.

We call on all consumers with medical insurance policies to inform us of the price increase of your premiums and for those who have not received any notices of price increase in your medical insurance to contact your agent and ask him/her if there is indeed any increase in the price of your medical premiums.

At the current time, with unending lockdowns and conditional lockdowns, many consumers have been severely affected either through loss of jobs or reduction in incomes. This is certainly not the time to increase insurance premiums.

It is certainly wrong and unacceptable that insurance companies, at this time raise premium prices to make excessive profits. Consumers are already suffering.

If based on your feedback, we find that many consumers have been forced to pay increasing medical premiums, FOMCA will be launching a National Campaign to urge Bank Negara Malaysia to Stop the Increase in Medical Premiums.

Consumers are facing tremendous economic pressure due to job loss, income loss and economic insecurity. Now is certainly not the time to increase medical insurance premiums.

As a responsible regulator, Bank Negara Malaysia, to protect consumers, should have already pre-emptively directed insurance companies not to increase premiums at his point of time.

Please provide the feedback to FOMCA to enable us to know if you have been affected by the price increase of your medical insurance premium?

Let us as consumers act together to protect our interests.

These are the information we need

Insurance Company
Current Annual Insurance Premium (RM)
New Annual Insurance Premium (RM)

You may email us the details at insurance@fomca.org.my or via this online form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PriceHike .

Kindly visit our webpage www.fomca.org.my for more information.

Fomca: Categorise retail workers as frontliners

2021-02-16T18:04:05+00:00

February 16, 2021 @ 3:23pm
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has called for the authorities to categorise retail workers as frontliners.

Its president, Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason, cited the Jalan Telawi cluster which was a case of supermarket workers becoming infected with the Covid-19 virus.

"Supermarket and retail outlet workers have extensive exposure daily to their customers. During the entire pandemic, retail stores have been open to cater to the needs of the rakyat for food and other essentials.

"Retail workers are exposed to their customers, including those who may refuse or neglect to follow the standard SOPs such as wearing masks or keeping a 1m distance from others. This exposes the workers to risk," he said in a statement, today.
On the other hand, he said, if for some reason the workers themselves are infected, especially with no symptoms, they can be a source of infecting other workers and customers, exposing consumers to risk.

Marimuthu added that in some ways, retailers have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic serving consumers in which they live and work.

Throughout the pandemic, consumers have had access to food and other essentials, a crucial component in enabling consumers in facing the lockdowns, he said.

"As such Fomca urges the authorities to move retail workers to the front of the line for early inoculation.

Fomca calls for minimum wage, loan moratorium during MCO

2021-01-14T23:00:44+00:00

January 15, 2021 2:13 PM
PETAING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has urged the government to offer workers a minimum wage and extend the loan moratorium in the wake of the second movement control order (MCO).

Its president, Marimuthu Nadason, said the government must seriously consider the impact the reimposed MCO will have on workers and businesses.

“They will need financial support. Fomca urges that all affected businesses and workers will be supported at least with a minimum wage to help them through the crisis. Abandoning the workers without any support is just plain cruel.

“Next, Fomca calls on Bank Negara to extend the loan moratorium until at least August. Bank Negara’s silence and indifference to the plight of the rakyat is deafening. There should be an immediate moratorium on all loans to assist those impacted by the MCO,” he said in a statement.

He also suggested that insurance companies be prevented from increasing premiums during the period.

While movement restrictions were necessary, Marimuthu said, it was important to ensure vulnerable communities were not left behind.

“Let us not forget or neglect the low income and the vulnerable who are suffering and will be impacted even worse by these new measures. A responsible government should take concrete and firm measures to support them,” he said.

According to the Malaysian Employers Federation, the economic fallout of the various movement restrictions caused 30,000 businesses to cease operations, resulting in 100,000 job losses, last year.

LETTER | Digital inequality in PJ - seniors disadvantaged

2021-01-14T22:55:12+00:00

15 Jan 2021
LETTER | It has indeed been a harsh new reality for consumers living under the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

In its obsession to “go digital”, MBPJ is demanding that assessment billing can only be made through digital means, without an alternative, and further warning that the council will not entertain exceptions for late payments. Harsh action that reflects how the local government has not considered the plight of the digitally disadvantaged.

They seem to deny that there is gross digital inequality between the rich and the poor; the rural and the urban and the able and senior citizens. There are indeed many poor and vulnerable groups in MBPJ's jurisdiction who due to poverty, lack of confidence or digital skills are unable to navigate the digital world confidently. They also deserve fairness and justice.

Even private utility companies provide online as well as physical bills and incentivise consumers through discounts to shift towards online billing platforms. The authorities should indeed be more sensitive towards the suffering of the vulnerable rakyat.

No effort has been made to identify and empower vulnerable consumers to help them through the process.

What is extremely disappointing are the so-called counsellors and local politicians who we had hoped would act to protect consumers and enhance their well-being. They have chosen to remain silent instead.

It is indeed laudable for the local government to go digital. It reduces paper wastage as well as brings savings to the agency. But please think of the welfare of all the rakyat, not just the technically savvy.

LETTER | Some lessons we can learn amidst much suffering

2021-01-04T23:27:47+00:00

5 Jan 2021 | Tuesday
LETTER | The year 2020 was supposed to be the year we became a “developed” nation. Instead, it was a year of great suffering for many workers and consumers. It was a year of a health crisis as well as an economic crisis.

As a health crisis, many lost their loved ones or were infected by the dreaded disease. Apart from a strictly physical health crisis, it affected others more deeply.

Mental health issues have increased. Suicides have increased. Beyond that, there were reports of increasing domestic violence.

As an economic crisis, many lost their jobs or had their incomes reduced. Many were stuck with debts or commitments they could not fulfil. Basic needs were affected. Children’s education was affected.

None of this is new. But how do we move forward from here into 2021? There was indeed much suffering, but there are also some lessons to be learnt.

One simple message going viral that “2020 was not a year to expect and plan for what we do not have but appreciate what we do have” can be a start. Let me add some other thoughts.

We need to invest in our health. We do not know when this pandemic will end or the next begin. The next pandemic is not an 'if' but a 'when'. We need to take care of our health and strengthen our immune systems. The suggestions are nothing new: healthier food, exercise, and adequate sleep.

Furthermore, we need to invest in supplements and regular check-ups. Will these protect us? If not completely, certainly they can contribute, to some extent, to reducing the risks and mitigating the negative impacts.

From online shopping to offline let-downs

2020-11-29T17:00:38+00:00

Sunday, 29 Nov 2020
MORE Malaysians are shopping online these days and especially with Christmas next month, it’s always a good idea to be careful before you buy anything.

A total of 1,520 complaints on online shopping through social media were reported to the National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC) as of November this year.

Most claimed to be scammed by sellers, with the top types of items involved being electronic gadgets like handphones and power banks, clothes, watches and women’s accessories.

Another 1,646 complaints were against retailers and sellers of products related to Covid-19 like face masks, hand sanitisers and health supplements, the NCCC tells Sunday Star.

For purchases on social media, NCCC senior manager Baskaran Sithamparam says sellers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are not bound by refund or return policies like those who are on legitimate online marketplaces.

And this has led many consumers to be taken for a ride.

“Some did not receive the items they ordered at all or received only part of the item, ” he says.

PRESS RELEASE: FOMCA ANNUAL CAMPAIGN - FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

2020-10-15T00:15:03+00:00

DATE OF RELEASE: 12 OCTOBER 2020

PRESS RELEASE: FOMCA ANNUAL CAMPAIGN - FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

October marks the “Financial Literacy Month” in Malaysia. The on-going event is organised by Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (FOMCA). Having been first organised in 2011, the event is currently in its ninth year. The theme chosen is “Financial responsibility begins with me.”

The main emphasis of the event is to highlight the importance of financial literacy and teach households how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits.

Furthermore, it promotes national awareness and engagement campaigns through various community events.

The Covid-19 and Movement Control Order (MCO) has since been extended to December 2020 and with no ending of the MCO in sight. Workers are losing their jobs and are unable to find new jobs, having their incomes reduced and facing a bleak economic recovery in the future, especially for families facing the crisis with limited means and not having a clear picture of their employment future.

Many consumers might even have to dig into their personal savings or make borrowings from informal sources to meet their basic family expenses. They would probably be from the low-income and the unskilled, this would put tremendous pressures to meet their financial obligations.

Fomca tidak setuju kerajaan kenakan caj 20 sen

2020-09-08T19:18:32+00:00

Rabu | 9 September 2020
SHAH ALAM - Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (Fomca) tidak bersetuju dengan cadangan kerajaan untuk mengenakan caj perkhidmatan kepada pembeli yang melakukan pembelian dalam talian.

Presidennya, Profesor Datuk Dr N Marimuthu berkata, cadangan berkenaan tidak patut dilaksanakan walaupun cadangan caj yang dikenakan adalah rendah iaitu sebanyak 0.02 peratus.

"Walaupun caj mungkin dikenakan serendah 20 sen bagi pembelian RM1,000 ke bawah tetapi ia juga akhirnya akan membebankan pengguna.

"Mengapa perlu ambil kesempatan untuk kenakan caj pembelian online ini sedangkan banyak lagi alternatif lain yang boleh digunakan kerajaan untuk mencari sumber kewangan," katanya ketika dihubungi Sinar Harian di sini semalam.

Beliau berkata demikian mengulas mengenai kenyataan Timbalan Menteri Komunikasi dan Multimedia, Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin hari ini bahawa kerajaan bercadang untuk mengenakan caj itu bagi pembelian dalam talian termasuk menerusi portal e-dagang, Lazada dan Shopee.

Press Release: Air Selangor should increase its water reserve margin - NGO

2020-07-11T22:09:51+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10

Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) should increase its water reserve margin for at least three days during the upcoming upgrading works to avoid water supply disruption which is expected to affect 420,000 user accounts.

Malaysian Water Forum (MWF) president Saral James Maniam, in calling for proactive action, said Air Selangor should also consider continual improvement planning ideas to be implemented.

“Stop burdening consumers and businesses from time to time. It is time to improve and learn from countries such as Singapore where consumers hardly face any water disruptions due to maintenance or upgrading of facilities by the authorities,” she said in a statement today.

According to Air Selangor, the Selangor River Treatment Plant (LRA) Phase 3 (LRA SSP3) upgrading works from July 14 to 17 were needed to replace several major pipelines to improve the water supply system and plant operation’s efficiency.

KENYATAAN MEDIA: Jaminan Air Bersih di Kelantan Sebelum 2030

2020-07-09T18:12:36+00:00

6 Julai 2020
Kita boleh hidup tanpa makanan lebih lama tetapi tanpa air kita hanya boleh hidup 3 sehingga 4 hari sahaja. Jika satu hari tiada air di rumah, pengguna akan mula bingung memikirkan cara untuk mandi, cuci pakaian, dan memasak apa lagi jika rumah kita mempunyai anak kecil dan warga emas yang sudah uzur.

Kebiasaannya sumber bekalan air ni boleh diperolehi dengan pelbagai cara sebagai contoh dengan galian air bawah tanah; ambil dan tapis dari air sungai atau laut, pam dipasang supaya boleh menarik air dari kawasan yang tinggi.

Bagaimana jika sumber bekalan air susah untuk didapati, sehingga terpaksa dicatu dan kualiti air pula tidak memenuhi piawaian minimum yang ditetapkan? Kita semua tahu biasanya perkara begini hanya berlaku di Afrika tetapi malangnya perkara ini turut berlaku di bumi Kelantan Darul Naim.

Penduduk Kota Bharu terpaksa mencatu bekalan air sehingga ada yang tidak mandi, semata-mata untuk penjimatan bekalan keperluan yang paling asas untuk manusia iaitu AIR. Situasi terbabit dialami penduduk sepanjang Ramadan lalu yang menyukarkan mereka untuk menjalani kehidupan dengan baik seperti yang telah dipetik dari akhbar Harian Metro yang bertarikh 18 Mei 2020.

Pasca Moratorium: Usah tunggu sehingga September untuk hubungi bank

2020-07-09T04:32:29+00:00

09/07/2020 06:10 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 Julai -- Gabungan Persatuan-persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (Fomca) meminta pengguna menghubungi bank masing-masing secepat mungkin untuk berunding sekiranya mereka tidak dapat membuat pembayaran pinjaman, apabila berakhirya tempoh moratorium kelak.

Presiden Fomca, Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason juga menasihatkan pengguna untuk tidak menunggu sehingga September untuk berkomunikasi dengan pihak bank dan mereka harus menjelaskan keadaan mereka secara jujur.

"Fomca berharap agar bank-bank bersimpati. Fomca yakin bahawa Bank Negara akan mengarahkan bank-bank untuk bertindak dengan penuh bertimbang rasa. Berundinglah dengan jujur untuk mencari jalan penyelesian terbaik demi masa depan.

"Namun, jika anda beranggapan tindakan bank-bank berkenaan tidak berhati perut, usah ragu-ragu untuk membuat aduan rasmi kepada Bank Negara. Menjadi harapan kami agar Bank Negara dapat bertindak dengan pantas dan berkesan menangani aduan dan isu masalah pengguna,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan di sini, hari ini.

PRESS RELEASE: 'MSIANS NOT FINANCIALLY READY, PUSH BACK INCOME TAX RETURN DEADLINE'

2020-06-23T17:49:09+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (FOMCA) has called upon the taxman to throw a lifeline to Malaysians by pushing back the due date for their income tax returns.

FOMCA president Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason said although the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has extended the deadline for submission of Income Tax Return Form (ITRF) BE from May 15 to June 30, many are beleaguered as they are still finding it difficult to make ends meet.

"It is going to be agony to the people with very little money in hand to come up with payment to LHDN in these trying times," he said in a statement, today.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic has affected every one, with many forced to take pay cuts and no-pay leave, while others lost their jobs altogether.

"People are just coming out from their homes and starting to restructure and looking into their livelihoods," he said.

As such, Marimuthu urged LHDN to push the deadline for ITRF submission to the end of September.

He added that with this extension, taxpayers would be able to focus on their livelihoods, such as looking for a job or several jobs to increase their incomes.

PRESS RELEASE: BANTUAN PRIHATIN ELEKTRIK WILL ADDRESS CONSUMERS' FINANCIAL BURDEN

2020-06-20T05:22:47+00:00

June 20, 2020 @ 6:57pm

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM942 million assistance under Bantuan Prihatin Elektrik will not only ease financial burden among the people but also gave them time to restore their monetary stability which was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Federation of Malaysian of Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief operating officer Saravanan Thambirajah described the additional assistance as timely and that it was much needed by the people during this challenging period.

"Fomca would like to the Prime Minister, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resource, Energy Commission and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) for listening to the grouses of consumers.

"This assistance is timely and is a much needed for the rakyat during this trying time.

"Fomca, however, also would like to suggest to the government to conduct stakeholders engagement in future to get their opinions to get better picture of the problems," said Saravanan, who is also the Water and Energy Consumers Associations of Malaysia (WECAM) president.

Fomca also called on the government to review the current tariff block structure which the association deems as being outdated.

PRESS RELEASE: REMEMBERING THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

2020-06-06T18:27:02+00:00

In 1972, after the first day of the United Nations Conference on Human Environment, it was decided that there would be a day declared as World Environment Day. Since 1974, World Environment Day has become a global celebration with a common theme of "Only One Earth" to signify the importance of protecting the one and only place we call home.

This initiative also aligns well with our No 13 of our Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which is climate action. Environment Day is celebrated on annually on June 5 and aims to promote awareness to protect our nature and biodiversity. The theme for the year 2020 is "Biodiversity" with the tagline "Time for Nature". What do we mean by biodiversity?

At its root, biodiversity basically means the variation of all the species from various habitats and terrains. Biodiversity is not a list of plants and animals, but a series of relationships in a complex web. When one part disappears, every other part of this complex chain is affected.

Biodiversity comprises three levels of diversity, which are genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Thus, it is the foundation for a healthy planet and healthy people. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient and better able to recover from stress such as drought or human-induced habitat encroachment such as over-grazing.

PRESS RELEASE - MORATORIUM NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER 3 MONTHS (OCTOBER TO DECEMBER)

2020-05-18T02:07:58+00:00

DATE OF RELEASE: 18 MAY 2020

Covid -19 pandemic has indeed created a huge challenge to all of us in every aspect of our lives including socially and economically. The government has come out with some plans to assist the people. Unfortunately not all affected people seem to benefit from the Prihatin Economic Stimulus Package and the Prihatin SME Economic Stimulus Package

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has declared a 6 months moratorium for all borrowers from housing loans and car loans to as well as fixed rate Islamic financing. Inevitably, the Minister of Finance had to coax the Banks to defer the compound interest to be accrued to the principal. At the time when people are struggling to make ends meet, banks should be more compassionate instead focusing just on into profit making. The Movement Control Order (MCO) which was implemented on 18 March has been extended till 9th June 2020. Some places have been placed under Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).

Throughout this ordeal of MCO and EMCO, more than one million people have lost their jobs and many others also had to take no pay leave or reduced pay. Financial constraints have caused severe family tribulations. This was proven when MCO was lifted to Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) many people rushed to pawn shops. The queues at the pawn shops throughout the nation were very long. Many people were there to pawn their jewelleries or to renew their items pawned. Pawn shops are known as the poor men’s bank as many customers are from the lower income bracket (B40) and some from the middle income bracket (M40). Many throng to these shops as they faced financial constraints during this challenging time. It clearly shows that the government aid is relatively insufficient to make ends meet. To rub salt into the wound, some pawn brokers went on to charge on their customer interests despite the fact that the Minister of Housing and Local Government had declared that Pawn Brokers have deferred the interest during the MCO, from March 18 to May 12.

LETTER TO EDITOR: COVID-19 - REDUCING HOUSEHOLD BILLS

2020-04-24T03:50:40+00:00

The movement control order (MCO) has been extended. There also appears no indication that the government would be extending further financial support to low and middle income families. During this current MCO as well as with the extension of the order, more workers will be losing jobs, those working will have their incomes reduced; and all workers and those seeking employment will be very worried of their future as jobs disappear and the economic outlook seems to be increasingly bleak.

Yet households have to continue to meet their financial obligations. One of their current major obligations is their communication and utility bills. For certain as families spend an increasing amount of time at home, their utility and communication bills are expected to increase substantially. This would include the electricity bills, water bills, handphone and internet bills, and astro bills.

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 MORATORIUM – BANK NEEDS TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS

2020-04-16T03:38:19+00:00

DATE OF RELEASE: 16 APRIL 2020 - Our nation is facing a pandemic which is animosity among families which is mounting daily. Companies and SMEs are closing down with workers taking pay cuts or receiving no pay, while the self-employed are finding it hard to sustain their families. All these are due do the Covid 19 and the Movement Control Order (MCO) which has been extended further.

The government came up with stimulus package to assist those badly hit by the MCO. Banks also came up with their assistance programme to consumers by declaring a moratorium of 6 months payments on loans to enquire or clarify their issues.

FOMCA has been receiving a lot of enquiries related to banking issues. Consumers are calling FOMCA as the banks do not appear to have proper communication channel for the customers who have taken up loans with banks.
What the public need at the moment is a clear communication between the consumer and the bank. All ambiguity needs to be cleared. Consumers have a lot of questions. The appropriate correct responses should be from a well -informed bank officer. Hence, the banks must have an effective mode of communication for the consumers to call and enquire on whatever information they need in relation to the moratorium.

PRESS RELEASE: EDUCATION INSTITUTION AND TRANSPORT FEES

2020-04-21T19:24:32+00:00

DATE OF RELEASE: 21 APRIL 2020

FOMCA has been receiving a lot of complaints and enquiries on education institution as well as transport monthly fees. The education institution ranges from kindergarten, day care, private schools and home schooling. Parents are hoping that the fees would be waived as most of them are not working and finding it difficult to make ends meet due to COVID 10 pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO).

Some of these institutions are receiving aid from the Stimulus Package announced by our Prime Minister which is also known as Prihatin. Those occupying rented premises have been given deferment in rental and loans too. Besides that, since these institutions are not operating in full, they will be minimising the operation costs. If they charge the parents full amount, is it considered as profiteering?

Parents having their kids under their watchful eyes find it difficult to teach them as the syllabus have changed and the methods of approach have differed over time. The Education minister recently announced that not many parents have computers or internet at home to access online learning. To couple with that, some parents are not IT savvy making the situation more difficult. But some kindergartens are offering online education for three years old. These toddlers are finding it hard to grasp the lesson as many are not able to read unless coached personally. Parents feel that if they were to be charged should be minimal.

PRESS RELEASE - COVID-19 - CONSUMERS AND PAWN SHOPS

2020-04-21T19:21:27+00:00

DATE OF RELEASE: 21 APRIL 2020

Clearly the COVID-19 movement control order (MCO) has affected everyone; with particularly severe impact on the poor and low income. Loss of jobs and thus incomes, reduced incomes made worse by future uncertainties have had a severe negative impact on consumer financial and overall well-being. To make matters worse, some retailers are manipulating prices and making excessive profits by increasing prices, making the life of the poor even more difficult.

Still consumers need money to feed their families, meet their obligations and meet other essential responsibilities.

Clearly the financial support by government to assist consumers to survive these difficult times is extremely limited. Firstly, many self-employed and daily wage workers are excluded. Secondly, the one-off aid received is clearly insufficient to meet personal and household basic needs and consumers have to find their own means to raise cash to meet their basic obligations.