FOMCA DI PENTAS MEDIA

Govt urged to maintain speed limiter deadline

2025-09-25T21:56:26+00:00

PETALING JAYA: Road safety experts have urged the government to hold firm to its October enforcement deadline for speed limiter devices on heavy vehicles, warning that poorly maintained lorries and buses pose a grave risk to public safety.

They cautioned that delays could lead to tragedies such as the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) bus crash, and called for stiff penalties – including fines higher than compliance costs and the immediate impounding of unchecked vehicles – to ensure operators take the rules seriously.

Road safety expert Dr Law Teik Hua said voluntary compliance has been alarmingly low, with fewer than 3,000 vehicles verified in the past three months.

“Given the risks posed by unchecked heavy vehicles, there is a strong case for zero tolerance after the October deadline,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Law warned that postponing enforcement will undermine both safety and the credibility of the authorities.

Nuclear ambitions demand caution, clarity, and public accountability

2025-09-22T23:23:40+00:00

THE recent announcement that Malaysia could introduce nuclear power within the next decade has triggered a wave of discussion. Some see nuclear energy as a bold step forward in diversifying our energy mix, while others fear that it is a costly gamble with consequences that could last for generations.

The truth is that this issue cannot be reduced to slogans about “clean energy” or “future security.” It demands a sober, honest, and transparent national conversation that goes beyond promises to examine the full reality of what nuclear means for Malaysia.

Malaysia has pledged under its National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and broader climate policies to achieve Net Zero by 2050. At the macro level, this is not optional; it is a global responsibility.

Nuclear power, in theory, offers low-carbon electricity that can complement solar and wind by providing steady, baseload supply. In a future where Malaysia’s demand will not only rise with population growth but also with the rapid expansion of data centres, electric vehicles, and high-energy industries, the allure of nuclear is understandable.

Reliable power is the backbone of a modern economy, and the argument is often made that renewables alone may struggle to keep up with demand, especially during cloudy days or windless nights. Proponents believe nuclear could provide the “always-on” stability to balance renewables in the grid.

BUDI95: MyKad readers to be installed at all petrol stations, pump terminals to ease process, says Finance Ministry

2025-09-22T23:10:36+00:00

IPOH: MyKad readers will be set up at all petrol stations and pump terminals to ease the process for the people to benefit from the Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) programme, which starts this Saturday (Sept 27).

The Finance Ministry, in a statement Monday (Sept 22), said that those eligible for targeted subsidised RON95 would only need to verify using their MyKad without any registration process.

"The MyKad readers will be available at the stations and pump terminals to reduce the risk of congestion.

"Another option is through Touch'N Go (TnG) e-wallet or mobile apps like Setel by Petronas and CaltexGo," the statement said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier announced the price of RON95 would be reduced to RM1.99 per litre from RM2.05 per litre, through the BUDI95 programme.

Fomca backs multi-option RON95 subsidy system to ease consumer concerns

2025-09-22T23:05:43+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) welcomes the government's assurance that multiple mechanisms will be available for payment of subsidised RON95 petrol, calling it a move that balances foresight and consumer needs.

Its secretary-general Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said the announcement by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is a timely move that demonstrates foresight and will reduce public worry.

He said offering consumers a choice of multiple options would ensure a backup if one system fails and help prevent long queues, disputes or outright denial of subsidy to eligible consumers.

"The most consumer-friendly approach is one that prioritises convenience, security and reliability," he told the 'New Straits Times' today.

Saravanan added that the ministry's proactive step would reassure the public that the government is listening to consumer concerns if it is done comprehensively.

"As long as these mechanisms are implemented with strong data protection, strict enforcement against misuse, and clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) at petrol stations, consumers can have confidence that the subsidy will be delivered fairly, efficiently, and without compromising their rights or security," he said.

Rising costs of food and goods threat to tourism

2025-09-22T22:57:11+00:00

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s reputation as a value-for-money destination could be at stake ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 with rising food and goods prices at tourist hotspots threatening to deter travellers and deepen resentment among locals.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) CEO Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said inflated prices in popular tourist areas carry a “double burden”, which means tourists are shocked by the cost while locals struggle because they depend on the same shops, restaurants and markets for essentials.

He said locals, particularly those from lower and middle income households, are hit hardest as many spend nearly 40% of their income on food and daily necessities.

“In certain tourism-heavy towns, the price of a meal or groceries could be up to 30% higher than in non-tourist districts. Residents then face the unfair choice of paying inflated rates or travelling elsewhere for affordable goods.”

He also said Fomca and the National Consumer Complaints Centre have received numerous reports from locals in such areas.

He added that the most common grievances were food and beverages priced two or three times higher than in surrounding towns, and basic goods such as bottled water, snacks and household items being sold at unjustifiable mark-ups.

‘URA must protect, not risk owners’

2025-09-07T19:04:49+00:00

PETALING JAYA: There should be greater houseowner protection, transparency, and a reduction in ministerial power to prevent potential misuse and ensure fair treatment of property owners in the implementation of the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA), say stakeholders.

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said redevelopment needs must be balanced with fairness, transparency, and sustainability.

“Without robust consumer safeguards, urban renewal risks displacing vulnerable communities and undermining public trust,” she said in an interview yesterday.

Indrani said that the legislation, recently tabled for its first reading in Parliament, lacks provisions to prevent displacement without secure, affordable rehousing options.

“Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and low-income households, are particularly at risk. Renewal should preserve community bonds and cultural heritage, not destroy them,” she added.

RM100 SARA aid meaningful if spent wisely, says FOMCA

2025-09-01T23:42:33+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The one-off RM100 Basic Rahmah Contribution for every Malaysian citizen aged eighteen and above can have a meaningful impact if used wisely.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations chief operating officer Nur Asyikin Aminuddin said the initiative can help ease the people’s burden in purchasing daily essentials.

She stated that the government’s initiative through the MyKasih programme deserves recognition as it offers a wide range of basic goods at prices significantly lower than usual.

“With RM100, people can not only purchase essential goods in larger quantities but also enjoy meaningful savings through the MyKasih programme,” she said in a statement.

Nur Asyikin added that the RM100 assistance also stimulates the local economy, benefiting not only recipients but also supporting the country’s overall economic cycle.

No intimidation allowed

2025-09-01T23:34:58+00:00

PETALING JAYA: In Malaysia, old debts can’t haunt you forever.

Thanks to the Limitation Act, many debts vanish after six years, unless the debtor acknowledges them.

And any attempt to revive these “time-barred” debts through intimidation or coercion is unlawful.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said that Fomca, through the National Consumer Complaints Centre, frequently receives reports of harassment over old debts, some dating back nearly 30 years.

“They usually involve threats of blacklisting, misleading instalment plans and a lack of transparency when banks sell old debts to third-party collectors,” she said.

She said Malaysians should know their rights in the face of aggressive debt collection practices.

“We must know that under the Limitation Act, most debts become legally unenforceable after six years unless legal action has been taken within that period.

Household size, dependents must be factored in RON95 subsidy eligibility say groups

2025-08-27T23:35:56+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's decision to factor in household income, property and luxury vehicle ownership to determine eligibility for the RON95 fuel subsidy must be broadened to reflect a more accurate picture of household well-being, said the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Its chief executive officer, T. Saravanan, said household size and the number of dependents should also be taken into account, as they directly affect how far a family's income can stretch.

"Regional differences in the cost of living also play a major role, as urban households face significantly higher expenses compared to rural ones.

"Additionally, special circumstances such as medical burdens, single-parent families or households caring for disabled members should not be ignored," he told the New Straits Times.

Earlier, the government announced that ownership of property and luxury vehicles, alongside monthly income, will now be among the benchmarks in determining eligibility for the RON95 subsidy, as part of efforts to phase out blanket subsidies and channel aid to those most in need.

Saravanan said the current criteria were not sufficient to capture the full financial pressures faced by families.

Buyers trapped for years hope Build-Then-Sell model ends housing nightmares

2025-08-27T23:29:56+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR: In 2018, Mohd Shahrizan Sukirman signed an agreement to buy a property in Gombak for RM299,900.

Fast forward to 2025, the house is still not ready. However, he is still paying RM1,600 in monthly instalments.

He believed that the "Build-then-Sell" (BTS) model could save other house buyers from his fate.

"If a developer manages to fully complete the houses before selling them, it will give confidence to buyers. That way, there will be no cases of abandoned housing projects."

On the planned incentives for housing developers that adopt the BTS model, he said it should also address the plight of buyers like him.

Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said the incentives were a step towards rebalancing risks between developers and buyers.

He said affected buyers could not wait until 2030 for stronger protections, adding that abandoned and delayed housing projects continued to cause hardship to buyers and their families.

He urged the government to set clear timelines and enforcement mechanisms to phase in BTS well before 2030.

He said incentives could ease developers' financing concerns.

Saravanan also highlighted concerns with the "Sell-then-Build" model, which "exposes consumers to severe risks if projects are delayed or abandoned, leaving families burdened with loans but without homes".