Federation of Malaysians Consumers Associations

Beyond business, ESG must be a national commitment

2026-04-30T11:00:17+00:00

Rather than a trendy acronymn, ESG is a moral stress test of how a nation treats its people and its future, and right now, Malaysia is in danger of failing that test where it hurts most.

We expound the importance of the environment, social and governance (ESG) framework and draft strategic plans to impress investors.

But the proof of ESG is not on powerpoint slides. It is on our streets, at schools, in kampungs and low-cost flats, where people get left behind or are never counted.

In that context, applying ESG scrutiny to race relations, education, housing, and jobs is just our “ESG agenda”, not reform.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/04/30/beyond-business-esg-must-be-a-national-commitment

Chief Statistician urges Malaysians to rebuild discipline, warning QR payments make saving harder than ever

2026-04-30T10:58:17+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — From stamp books and post office savings to instant QR payments, Malaysians’ relationship with money has shifted dramatically — and not necessarily for the better.

That is the candid view of Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin, who said the convenience of digital payments may be quietly eroding the discipline that once defined how Malaysians saved.

Speaking alongside the release of the National Transfer Accounts (NTA) 2022 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Uzir reflected on how earlier generations were conditioned to save from a young age — often through simple but consistent habits.

“When we were in school, there was already a concept of saving. Teachers would bring stamp books, and if we didn’t spend our money, we would paste the stamps and save. At the time, there weren’t many banks around.

https://share.google/kXYOg6YAbItCQ293X

Think tank slams proposed RM3.06bil cut to health ministry

2026-04-30T10:56:18+00:00

The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy says the reduction will have direct consequences across hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities nationwide.

PETALING JAYA: The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy has slammed the proposed RM3.06 billion cut to the health ministry’s budget, warning that it would undermine the public healthcare system and put patients and frontline workers at risk.

Its CEO, Azrul Khalib, said the reduction would have direct consequences across hospital wards, operating theatres, emergency departments, clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, and on patients waiting for treatment.

“The cost of this cut will be paid in delayed procedures, longer waiting lists, medicine shortages, deteriorating facilities, exhausted healthcare workers, avoidable complications, and preventable deaths,” he said in a statement today.

Azrul said the public healthcare system was already operating under severe pressure, with hospitals and clinics only receiving the minimum resources needed to function safely and effectively.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/29/think-tank-slams-proposed-rm3-06bil-cut-to-health-ministry

Malaysians paying twice for poor waste management, says researcher

2026-04-30T10:53:33+00:00

Malaysians paying twice for poor waste management, says researcher

Keeren Sundara Rajoo says solid waste management and public cleansing account for 40% to 80% of local authority expenditure in Malaysia.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are unknowingly paying twice for poor waste management through public spending and hidden costs such as pollution and health risks, a researcher says.

Keeren Sundara Rajoo of Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak said that solid waste management and public cleansing account for between 40% and 80% of local authority expenditure in Malaysia, the Borneo Post reported.

“People may not see a separate charge for waste, but they are already paying for it through local authority spending,” he was quoted as saying.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/29/malaysians-paying-twice-for-poor-waste-management-says-researcher

BNM fines Zurich units RM1.56mil over sanctions breaches

2026-04-30T10:52:56+00:00

The fines were imposed after the insurers failed to properly update and check their sanctions screening systems.

PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia has imposed a total of RM1.56 million in penalties on two Zurich insurance companies for failing to follow rules on financial sanctions screening.

BNM said Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Bhd (ZGIMB) was fined RM1.04 million, while Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Bhd (ZGTMB) was penalised RM520,000 for non-compliance detected on Jan 19.

In a statement today, it said both companies failed to update their sanctions database after the publication of a new sanctions local list, and did not properly screen all customers.

They failed to fully check and confirm whether flagged customers were true matches, it said.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/29/bnm-fines-zurich-units-rm1-56mil-over-sanctions-breaches

SIARAN MEDIA: FOMCA MENYOKONG DASAR PENGGUNA NEGARA 2.0: MEMPERKASA PENGGUNA DAN MENEGAKKAN INTEGRITI PASARAN DIGITAL

2026-04-29T09:50:21+00:00

FOMCA menyambut baik dan menyokong penuh pelaksanaan Dasar Pengguna Negara 2.0 (DPN 2.0) oleh Kerajaan melalui Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) sebagai satu langkah strategik yang amat diperlukan dalam menghadapi realiti baharu ekonomi digital.

Hari ini, landskap kepenggunaan telah berubah sepenuhnya. Jika sebelum ini pengguna beroperasi dalam persekitaran kedai fizikal dan pusat beli-belah, kini pengguna berinteraksi dalam ekosistem digital yang melibatkan platform dalam talian, kecerdasan buatan (AI), algoritma dan rangkaian global tanpa sempadan.

Bersama perubahan ini, risiko utama juga telah berubah daripada isu harga dan kualiti asas kepada cabaran baharu seperti manipulasi pasaran, eksploitasi data, penipuan digital dan scam.

PRESS RELEASE: FOMCA SUPPORTS NATIONAL CONSUMER POLICY 2.0: EMPOWERING CONSUMERS AND ENSURING DIGITAL MARKET INTEGRITY

2026-04-29T09:49:11+00:00

FOMCA welcomes and fully supports the Government’s implementation of the National Consumer Policy 2.0 (DPN 2.0) through the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living as a critical and forward-looking step in addressing the realities of today’s digital economy.

The consumer landscape has fundamentally transformed. Where consumers once operated within physical retail environments, they are now engaging within a digital ecosystem driven by online platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms and borderless global networks. Alongside this shift, the nature of risks has also evolved from basic concerns of price and product quality to more complex challenges such as market manipulation, data exploitation, digital fraud and scams.

Rising online harms strengthen case for under-16 social media delay

2026-04-27T16:14:49+00:00

PETALING JAYA: Calls to delay social media access for children until they reach 16 are rising, with experts and parents warning of growing risks from cyberbullying, grooming and harmful content.
The proposed policy, expected to mirror Australia’s “delay not ban” model, would place existing accounts belonging to those under 16 under parental supervision rather than deleting them completely.

Unicef Malaysia has warned that children routinely encounter bullying, grooming and sexual exploitation online, while official figures point to a rising scale of harm.

Source link: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/23/rising-online-harms-strengthen-case-for-under-16-social-media-delay

30pc of padi farmers to skip planting season, says group

2026-04-27T16:09:58+00:00

About 30 per cent of padi farmers in the country are expected to skip the new planting season due to rising operational costs, said Malaysian Padi Farmers Association.

Its chairman, Abdul Rashid Yob, said yesterday many of the estimated 200,000 farmers were struggling with higher costs, particularly from diesel price hikes.

Source link: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/04/1424165/30pc-padi-farmers-skip-planting-season-says-group?topicID=1&articleID=1424165#google_vignette

AI won’t take all our jobs, judging by history and economics

2026-04-27T16:08:34+00:00

Every major technological breakthrough brings with it a familiar wave of anxiety.

Today, artificial intelligence (AI) has taken centrestage as the supposed forerunner of mass unemployment. From automated writing tools to self-driving systems, the fear is that machines are not just replacing tasks, but entire professions.

The impression is that this time, unlike before, the jobs simply will not come back.

Source link: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/04/23/ai-wont-take-all-our-jobs-judging-by-history-and-economics

Pikom backs nuclear, solar to power Malaysian data centres

2026-04-27T15:46:30+00:00

PETALING JAYA: The National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom) sees nuclear energy and solar energy as among the possible long-term options to support Malaysia’s growing data centre industry amid rising power demand.
Its chairman, Alex Liew, said the sector remains stable for now despite concerns over the global energy crisis and the high energy consumption of data centres.

Source link: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/23/pikom-backs-nuclear-solar-to-power-malaysian-data-centres

Enough chicken and eggs, but veggies in short supply

2026-04-27T15:44:12+00:00

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia still has a comfortable supply of its main protein sources – chicken and eggs – but face challenges in local production of staple foods such as rice, which analysts say meets only 63% of national demand.

In a research note, BIMB Securities Research said the country is even more dependent on vegetable imports, with a self-sufficiency level of only 45%.

Source link: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/24/enough-chicken-and-eggs-but-veggies-in-short-supply

Fomca: Freebies can cloud honest reviews

2026-04-27T15:25:43+00:00

PETALING JAYA: A freebie for a quick review or rating may seem like a harmless perk, but consumer advocates are of the view that this could jeopardise what should be honest feedback.

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) views the growing practice with caution, noting that it touches on a fundamental consumer right – the ability to access information that is accurate and not misleading.

Source link: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/04/27/fomca-freebies-can-cloudhonest-reviews

Ekonomi Mencabar, Pengguna Pilih Kelestarian

2026-04-27T14:02:25+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 April (Bernama) -- Cabaran ekonomi hari ini menyerlahkan ketahanan dan kebijaksanaan rakyat Malaysia dengan beralih kepada amalan lestari yang bukan sahaja berjaya mengurangkan beban kewangan, malah membentuk komuniti lebih prihatin terhadap ekosistem demi generasi akan datang.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) Dr T Saravanan berkata walaupun pihaknya menerima peningkatan aduan berkaitan kenaikan harga barangan berbungkus, situasi tersebut secara tidak langsung telah memperkukuh kesedaran orang ramai terhadap hak mereka sebagai pengguna.

Beliau berkata pengguna lebih peka terhadap tindakan peniaga yang menaikkan harga barangan dengan alasan peningkatan kos plastik sebagai produk sampingan petroleum seterusnya mengambil inisiatif bagi mengurangkan kebergantungan terhadap plastik.

“Apa yang positif ialah 'tekanan poket' ini telah mendorong ramai pengguna mengubah tabiat ke arah kelestarian seperti mengitar semula beg plastik lama atau membawa beg sendiri dari rumah.

https://bernama.com/bm/am/news.php?id=2549025

More ways than one to cut energy consumption, say experts

2026-04-20T16:21:52+00:00

PETALING JAYA: There are many ways to reduce energy consumption, and the work-from-home (WFH) arrangement is hardly among the more effective ones, according to experts.

Instead, transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan and consumerism activist Marimuthu Nadason argue, a wider shift in how Malaysians consume power has to happen to make a real difference.

About 200,000 civil servants began to work from home on April 15 under a new initiative by the government to conserve energy.That accounts for about 15% of the total workforce in the civil service, a proportion many believe is insufficient to make a meaningful difference.

Practice Practical Energy-Saving Measures To Face Global Uncertainty - FOMCA

2026-04-20T16:09:30+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The public is advised to adopt simple and practical energy-saving measures in light of the global energy uncertainty due to the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) president Prof Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason said that using energy more wisely can help manage costs, enhance household resilience, and contribute to the country's energy security.

Malaysia microplastics crisis driven by domestic waste and poor recycling habits

2026-04-20T16:02:54+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's growing microplastics crisis is largely self-inflicted, driven by domestic waste, weak recycling practices and everyday plastic use, said experts.

Universiti Sains Malaysia marine scientist Professor Datuk Dr Aileen Tan said the issue was no longer a future risk, but an ongoing environmental crisis affecting marine ecosystems and seafood.

i-Saraan dan Literasi Kewangan

2026-04-17T11:38:17+00:00

Persatuan Pendidikan dan Penyelidikan untuk Pengguna Malaysia (ERA Consumer) mengalu- alukan kenyataan Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) mengisytiharkan dividen sebanyak 6.15% untuk kedua-dua simpanan Konvensional dan Shariah bagi tahun 2025. Walaupun kadar dividen susut 0.15% berbanding dengan tahun sebelumnya, namun pulangan ini adalah antara yang terbaik dalam tempuh 5 tahun terakhir. Walaupun dalam keadaan suasana ekonomi yang tidak begitu stabil KWSP telah memberi pulangan yang baik.Persatuan Pendidikan dan Penyelidikan untuk Pengguna Malaysia (ERA Consumer) mengalu- alukan kenyataan Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) mengisytiharkan dividen sebanyak 6.15% untuk kedua-dua simpanan Konvensional dan Shariah bagi tahun 2025. Walaupun kadar dividen susut 0.15% berbanding dengan tahun sebelumnya, namun pulangan ini adalah antara yang terbaik dalam tempuh 5 tahun terakhir. Walaupun dalam keadaan suasana ekonomi yang tidak begitu stabil KWSP telah memberi pulangan yang baik.

Sejajar dengan dasar KWSP mewujudkan dana persaraan jangka panjang, adalah penting untuk para pencarum memastikan dana mereka mencukupi di hari tua nanti.

Pengalaman pahit semasa seluruh dunia terkesan akibat pandemik Covid 19 telah memberi pengajaran kepada ramai pencarum tentang kepentingan menabung. Ramai yang terpaksa diberhentikan kerja atau tidak dapat bekerja seperti biasa kerana Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) yang dikuatkuasakan oleh kerajaan untuk mengawal penularan penyakit berjangkit ini.

Consumer groups: Enforce rules, but allow flexibility

2026-04-16T11:00:07+00:00

PETALING JAYA: Tighter rules barring the use of another person’s MyKad to buy subsidised fuel could help prevent leakages, but experts caution that such a policy must account for situations like elderly users relying on family members to refuel their vehicles.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said that the move is a step in the right direction to reduce leakages in the targeted subsidy system.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/04/07/consumer-groups-enforce-rules-but-allow-flexibility

When paying once isn’t enough: The switch to subscription models irks consumers

2026-04-16T10:57:47+00:00

In 2022, a certain car brand caught heavy flak for requiring a subscription to activate heated seats in vehicles purchased by customers. Many wondered, “What’s with the need for a subscription when the heated seats are already installed in the car?”.

A year later, the car company discontinued the subscription requirement for heated seats following the backlash, but that did not spell the end for extra recurring payments to unlock other features.

While these practices have since spread to other players in the automotive industry, they’ve long been a major bugbear for consumers in the broader tech space.

https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2026/04/06/when-paying-once-isnt-enough-the-switch-to-subscription-models-irks-consumers

Jangan sensasi, eksploitasi isu krisis tenaga bagi tujuan politik sempit - Sultan Nazrin

2026-04-16T10:49:00+00:00

IPOH: Sultan Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah menitahkan semua pihak tidak mensensasikan atau mengeksploitasi isu krisis tenaga global susulan perang di Asia Barat bagi tujuan politik sempit.

Sebaliknya titah baginda titik pertemuan perlu dicari, selain menunjukkan kesepaduan memandangkan negara berkemungkinan menghadapi risiko darurat tenaga dan bekalan makanan susulan krisis itu.

Baginda bertitah, dalam situasi ini rakyat perlu difahamkan mengenai punca dan magnitud krisis sedang berlaku serta kesan dan implikasi terhadap kehidupan harian.

Sumber: https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2026/04/1533463/jangan-sensasi-eksploitasi-isu-krisis-tenaga-bagi-tujuan-politik

"Tidak perlu jadikan rumah seperti farmasi, bekalan ubat stabil, elak pembelian panik" - �㽶��Ƶ

2026-04-16T10:42:25+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Keperluan dan bekalan ubat-ubatan dalam negara kekal stabil sekurang-kurangnya hingga penghujung Jun ini, justeru orang ramai dinasihatkan agar tidak melakukan sebarang pembelian panik untuk simpanan jangka masa panjang.

Ketua Penolong Pengarah Kanan, Cawangan Pengurusan Farmasi Logistik, Bahagian Amalan dan Perkembangan Farmasi Kementerian Kesihatan (�㽶��Ƶ), Muhammad Md Zin, berkata stok ubatan di fasiliti kerajaan juga sentiasa dipantau bagi menjamin bekalan kepada pesakit tidak terjejas.

Sumber: https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2026/04/1533469/tidak-perlu-jadikan-rumah-seperti-farmasi-bekalan-ubat-stabil-elak

Krisis Asia Barat: Rakyat pilih tak panik dan berjimat, elak belanja berlebihan

2026-04-16T10:34:48+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Ketika banyak pihak bimbang dengan impak konflik di Asia Barat yang belum reda, ramai dalam kalangan rakyat masih kekal tenang dan tidak panik membeli barangan keperluan.

Sebelum ini di media sosial, ada yang mula bersiap sedia menyimpan barangan keperluan untuk menghadapi segala kemungkinan terutama risiko kekurangan stok atau kemungkinan peningkatan harga.

Sumber: https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2026/04/1533601/krisis-asia-barat-rakyat-pilih-tak-panik-dan-berjimat-elak-belanja#google_vignette

Aduan KPDN percepat kurangkan birokrasi SKPS – FOMCA

2026-04-16T10:18:53+00:00

Kira-kira 2,000 pengusaha bas sekolah berdaftar (van) dijangka terpaksa menaikkan kadar tambang mulai bulan depan susulan tekanan kos bahan api.

Sumber :https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/775623/berita/nasional/aduan-kpdn-percepat-kurangkan-birokrasi-skps-ndash-fomca

M’sian Tenant Successfully Claims Back RM1.4K After Learning Agent Fee Isn’t Their Responsibility | WeirdKaya

2026-04-16T10:16:13+00:00

What started as a frustrating experience for one Malaysian tenant has now turned into a small win, not just for themselves, but for many others renting in Malaysia.

Recently, a Threads post went viral after a user shared how they managed to successfully claim back RM1,478 in agent fees, something they later learned they were not supposed to pay in the first place.

M’sian Tenant Successfully Claims Back RM1.4K After Learning Agent Fee Isn’t Their Responsibility | WeirdKaya / https://newswav.com/A2604_bCrSJ5?s=A_9Kcb0LD&language=en