CONSUMER DIGEST

The new energy label coming to smartphones sold in the EU

2025-04-29T19:06:04+00:00

From June 20, 2025, all smartphones and tablets sold in the European Union will have to carry a new energy label. This initiative aims to inform consumers about the energy efficiency, durability and repairability of the devices they buy, while encouraging manufacturers to design increasingly environmentally-friendly products.

This measure stems from a European Commission regulation dated June 16, 2023. It is part of the wider framework of the European Green Deal, which seeks to promote a more circular and sustainable economy.

As detailed by the EU, this energy label will display a host of key information, starting with the smartphone or tablet's energy efficiency rating, from A (best performance) to G (worst performance). On the same label, consumers will be able to find the estimated battery life (in hours and minutes) and the battery endurance, or its expected lifespan in number of charge cycles.

The label will also specify the device's durability, resistance to dust and water, and repairability index, ranging from A (highly repairable) to E (not very repairable). Finally, a QR code will give consumers access to an online database containing detailed information on the product and its battery composition.

The aim of this label is to inform consumers about the performance and durability of the device they wish to purchase. Ultimately, the idea is to reduce the environmental footprint of these devices by encouraging the purchase of energy-efficient, easy-to-repair models. The label will be required for all smartphones and tablets sold in the EU from June 20. – AFP Relaxnews

Brace for recession, but don’t be overly pessimistic, economists advise

2025-04-08T18:20:55+00:00

Two economists believe the Trump tariffs will have a deep impact on the global economy but a third says other factors will have to come into play to push it to the brink.

PETALING JAYA: The possibility of a recession resulting from the imposition of new tariffs by the US cannot be ruled out, but its severity will depend on several factors, according to several economists.

TKS Yugendran from Bait Al-Amanah and Nazari Ismail of Universiti Malaya rate the risk of such an outcome at the global level as “very high” but Nazari’s colleague Goh Lim Thye believes it will come to pass only if tension builds up.

Yugendran said the tariffs will raise costs for the average American, leading to a drop in disposable income.

“This raises the possibility of a drop in consumer and business confidence. This will trigger a recession (in the US) that will eventually spread across the globe,” he told FMT Business.

“The US is just hurting itself with the tariffs,” he said, noting that financial institutions such as JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs shared the same sentiment.

Include fresh produce, baby essentials under SARA aid, says group

2025-04-08T18:17:15+00:00

The Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Women and Single Mothers Association says this will support child development.

PETALING JAYA: A single mothers’ organisation has proposed that the government include fresh produce and baby items in the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Women and Single Mothers Association president Sheilla Tukimin suggested that beneficiaries of the initiative be allowed to redeem items such as diapers, fish, chicken, and vegetables to meet their daily needs.

Sheilla said the proposal was aimed at supporting children’s growth, focusing on hygiene care, and encouraging healthy eating habits.

“It would be better if the government expanded the range of items that can be redeemed as each family has different needs,” she said.

“If possible, fresh produce should also be allowed as many families in the B40 and M40 groups cook at home. I urge the government to consider this.”

The SARA programme allows recipients to use their MyKads for the purchase of essential items at participating supermarkets and retail stores nationwide.

Read the label first as product may contain mercury

2025-04-02T23:13:00+00:00

PETALING JAYA: Exercise caution when buying skincare and cosmetics, as those containing dangerous ingredients can be a health hazard, say medical experts.

They cautioned that mercury is a common ingredient found in products flagged by the Health Ministry.

Dr Chin Shih Choon, past president of the Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, said skincare products containing mercury posed serious health risks due to its toxic effects on the body.

Such products could cause skin and kidney damage, neurological effects, respiratory issues, hormonal disruptions and environmental contamination, he said.

“Pregnant women using mercury-containing products risk passing the toxin to their unborn child, which lead to developmental issues, brain damage and birth defects. Breast-fed infants may also be exposed through contaminated milk,” he said.

Dr Chin said to be safe, one should always choose skincare products that comply with regulatory standards and avoid those containing mercury or its compounds such as mercuric chloride, calomel and mercurous chloride.

“If you suspect mercury exposure, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice. Consult a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor before using new skincare products, especially if they claim fast whitening or anti-ageing effects.

�㽶��Ƶ perlu bertindak, kanak-kanak tak faham erti kualiti atau kandungan makanan ringan

2025-02-20T22:11:28+00:00

GEORGETOWN: Makanan ringan yang dijual kepada kanak-kanak termasuk berhampiran kawasan sekolah, perlu dipantau dari aspek kandungan dan keselamatannya.

Pegawai Pendidikan Persatuan Pengguna Pulau Pinang (CAP) dan aktivis, NV Subbarow, berkata makanan ringan berkenaan wajar mempunyai logo kelulusan Kementerian Kesihatan (�㽶��Ƶ).

"Ini mengenai kesihatan kanak-kanak, sudah tiba masanya �㽶��Ƶ mengambil tindakan.

"Tindakan harus diambil terhadap peniaga yang menjual makanan ringan di luar kawasan sekolah.

"�㽶��Ƶ tidak boleh berdiam diri. Kanak-kanak ini tidak tahu apa-apa mengenai kualiti, kandungan, apa yang ada di dalam makanan dan sebagainya.

"Satu-satunya tarikan ialah warna dan gula atau kemanisan," katanya dalam kenyataan di sini, hari ini.

MOT harap lebih banyak penerbangan ditawar, turunkan harga tiket

2023-11-16T00:02:22+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR - Kementerian Pengangkutan (MOT) mengharapkan lebih banyak kapasiti penerbangan ditawarkan bagi menurunkan harga tiket kapal terbang ketika ini yang didakwa mahal dan membebankan rakyat.

Menterinya, Anthony Loke Siew Fook berkata, sekiranya syarikat penerbangan berbuat demikian harga tiket kapal terbang dapat diseimbangkan.

Menurutnya, harga tiket kapal terbang dipengaruhi banyak faktor termasuk peningkatan mata wang dolar Amerika Syarikat (AS) dan kenaikan harga minyak serta sewa pesawat yang menjadikan kos operasi semua syarikat penerbangan meningkat mendadak.

“Namun begitu kita amat mengharapkan supaya lebih banyak penawaran, lebih banyak kapasiti dan lebih banyak pesawat terbang.

“Sekiranya lebih banyak kapasiti maka ia dapat mengimbangkan harga tiket kapal terbang ini,” katanya semasa waktu pertanyaan-pertanyaan menteri di Dewan Rakyat pada Khamis.

4,100 isi rumah berpendapatan rendah terima manfaat IPR

2023-11-15T23:57:03+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR - Pelaksanaan Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) yang menyasarkan peningkatan pendapatan golongan miskin tegar dan kumpulan B40 telah memberikan manfaat kepada 4,100 isi rumah sehingga kini, Dewan Rakyat diberitahu.

Menteri Ekonomi, Rafizi Ramli berkata, IPR merupakan satu daripada langkah intervensi bersifat jangka masa pendek dan sederhana yang dilaksana kerajaan dalam usaha menoktahkan kemiskinan tegar tahun ini.

"IPR yang dilaksana meliputi penyediaan eksosistem yang lengkap dan bantuan bukan wang yang diberi kepada peserta bagi menyokong dan menggalakkan mereka menjalankan aktiviti ekonomi bagi menjana pendapatan tambahan secara mampan.

"Untuk makluman, sehingga kini kira-kira 4,100 isi rumah telah mendapat limpahan manfaat hasil pelaksanaan IPR,” katanya pada Waktu Pertanyaan-pertanyaan Menteri, di Dewan Rakyat di sini pada Khamis.

Guna ‘Price Catcher’ sebelum beli ayam

2023-11-02T23:54:23+00:00

PETALING JAYA – Orang ramai disaran menggunakan aplikasi Price Catcher sebelum membeli ayam.

Menteri Komunikasi dan Digital (KKD), Fahmi Fadzil berkata, ia bertujuan mendapatkan harga yang terbaik.

“Harga ayam naik? Guna Price Catcher untuk cari harga ayam terbaik berdekatan anda!,” katanya dalam satu hantaran di Facebook hari ini.

Aplikasi Price Catcher membolehkan pengguna membuat perbandingan harga barangan di 1,500 premis di seluruh negara.

Kerajaan baru-baru ini mengumumkan subsidi dan kawalan harga bagi ayam ditamatkan bermula 1 November lalu.

Ia bagi mengurangkan ketirisan subsidi yang turut dinikmati warga asing dan golongan berpendapatan tinggi.

Bagaimanapun subsidi serta kawalan harga bagi telur ayam gred A,B dan C diteruskan.

Pengumuman itu menimbulkan kebimbangan ramai akan menyebabkan harga ayam naik.

Harga purata ayam RM8.51 sekilogram

2023-11-02T23:49:51+00:00

SHAH ALAM - Harga purata ayam bersih standard peringkat nasional adalah RM8.51 per kilogram berdasarkan pemantauan dilakukan Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) pada Jumaat.

Bagi harga purata di Semenanjung Malaysia adalah RM8.46 per kilogram, di Sabah (RM11.61), Sarawak (RM10.14) dan Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan (RM12.50).

Timbalan Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup, Fuziah Salleh berkata, pemeriksaan dan pemantauan harga barang dilakukan di Pasar Awam Presint 8, Putrajaya dan Pasar Awam Kajang, Selangor.

"Tujuan pemeriksaan dan pemantauan ini dilaksanakan bagi meninjau situasi semasa yang berlaku di lapangan berhubung penjualan ayam susulan penamatan subsidi dan kawalan ke atas harga ayam bermula 1 November 2023.

"KPDN telah menggerakkan lebih 2,200 orang anggota penguat kuasa di seluruh negara untuk menjalankan pemeriksaan dan penguatkuasaan di bawah Akta Kawalan Harga dan Antipencatutan 2011 (Akta 723).

Program Jualan Rahmah Perdana dianjur sempena Deepavali

2023-11-02T23:45:51+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR - Program Jualan Rahmah (PJR) Perdana sempena sambutan Deepavali akan diadakan bagi mengurangkan beban kos sara hidup golongan berpendapatan rendah (B40) dan miskin tegar.

Program anjuran Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur itu menawarkan barangan keperluan asas pada harga lebih rendah dalam skala yang besar.

KPDN Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur dalam satu kenyataan memaklumkan, pasar raya yang terlibat dalam PJR Perdana kali ini adalah Aeon Big, Giant, NSK, KK Mart, Mydin dan Hero Market.

"Sebanyak enam barang keperluan asas utama akan dijual dengan harga rendah dan telah didiskaunkan," menurut kenyataan itu pada Jumaat.

Kenyataan itu turut memaklumkan, antara barangan keperluan harian ditawarkan pada harga lebih rendah dari pasaran setempat ialah ayam, beras, minyak masak, telur ayam, bihun dan sardin.

"Program ini juga diharapkan dapat untuk membantu bagi meringankan beban perbelanjaan isi rumah rakyat Malaysia," katanya lagi.

Bagi tujuan sama sebelum ini, (KPDN) Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur telah melaksanakan PJR secara bergerak di 11 kawasan Parlimen di Kuala Lumpur pada 24 Jun hingga 1 Ogos yang lalu.