Federation of Malaysians Consumers Associations

Govt urged to maintain speed limiter deadline

2025-09-26T05:56:26+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

2025-09-23T07:23:40+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.

MyDigital ID plan for prepaid cards sparks privacy debate

2025-09-23T07:21:10+00:00

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s push to link prepaid SIM registration with MyDigital ID is viewed as a crucial step to combat rampant scams; however, some experts express concerns it could undermine consumer privacy.Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil said they have been advocating for this initiative since January.

“We urged the government not only to reform prepaid SIM registration with MyDigital ID but also to track down the supply chain where registered SIM cards are sold illegally.

“This initiative by the government is crucial, as scammers widely use registered SIM cards to conduct their illegal operations,” said Siraj.

On Wednesday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that all telecommunications companies in the country would be instructed to implement MyDigital ID in the prepaid SIM registration process.

Fahmi said the policy would be enforced by the end of the year.

The measure, he added, would close loopholes in the existing system and prevent any potential misuse.

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

2025-09-23T07:10:36+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

2025-09-23T07:05:43+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

2025-09-23T06:57:11+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.

SHAPING CONSUMER JOURNEYS WHERE BUSINESS ACCOUNTABILITY MEETS CONSUMER TRUST AND SUSTAINABILITY

2025-09-22T07:40:55+00:00

‘URA must protect, not risk owners’

2025-09-08T03:04:49+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

2025-09-02T07:42:33+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

2025-09-02T07:34:58+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

2025-08-28T07:35:56+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

2025-08-28T07:29:56+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".

Malaysian homeowners not protected in current form of Urban Renewal Act, says Fomca

2025-08-28T07:25:41+00:00

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is not ready for the Urban Renewal Act (URA) in its current form as it is too sensitive, says Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer Dr T. Saravanan.

“The Act is too far-reaching, and too dangerous to be rushed into Parliament without a fundamental revamp and genuine stakeholder consultation. At stake are the very homes, livelihoods, and security of Malaysian families,” he said.

Saravanan added that safeguards must be put in place to protect homeowners, as developers have been approaching residents with half-truths and promises that are either misleading or incomplete or applying pressure to sign consent documents.

“For most Malaysians, a home is their largest lifetime investment, built through decades of hard work and representing priceless family memories. To expose citizens to such risks without strong safeguards is unacceptable,” he added.

Saravanan then said that if the URA is introduced in its current state, it will tilt the balance dangerously in favour of developers, effectively becoming a developers’ charter instead of a people’s charter.

“Fomca insists that a 95% consent threshold is the only acceptable safeguard. Any lower threshold — whether 75 or 80% — would open the door to forced displacement,” he added.

(BM) FOMCA SIARAN MEDIA: AKTA PEMBAHARUAN BANDAR MESTI DIROMBAK — KERAJAAN DAN AHLI PARLIMEN WAJIB DENGAR SUARA RAKYAT SEBELUM DIBENTANG

2025-08-22T01:51:29+00:00

TARIKH SIARAN: 22 OGOS 2025

Kepada Ketua Editor,

SIARAN MEDIA: AKTA PEMBAHARUAN BANDAR MESTI DIROMBAK — KERAJAAN DAN AHLI PARLIMEN WAJIB DENGAR SUARA RAKYAT SEBELUM DIBENTANG

Gabungan Persatuan-persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) menggesa Kerajaan untuk menangguhkan pembentangan Rang Undang-Undang Akta Pembaharuan Bandar (URA) yang sedia ada. Akta ini terlalu sensitif, memberi kesan besar kepada rakyat, dan amat berisiko jika dibawa ke Parlimen tanpa rombakan menyeluruh serta rundingan yang telus dan inklusif bersama pihak berkepentingan. Apa yang dipertaruhkan bukan sekadar bangunan atau tanah, tetapi rumah, mata pencarian, dan keselamatan hidup rakyat Malaysia.

Walaupun konsep pembaharuan bandar boleh membawa manfaat seperti pemodenan infrastruktur dan menaik taraf kemudahan awam, namun Malaysia masih belum bersedia untuk melaksanakan undang-undang ini. Laporan di lapangan menunjukkan pemaju telah pun mendekati penduduk dengan janji-janji yang mengelirukan, maklumat yang tidak lengkap, atau sengaja dimanipulasi untuk memujuk pemilik rumah supaya memberi persetujuan. Lebih membimbangkan, terdapat juga insiden intimidasi yang menekan penduduk untuk menandatangani dokumen persetujuan. Bagi majoriti rakyat Malaysia, rumah adalah pelaburan terbesar sepanjang hayat — hasil titik peluh bertahun-tahun dan lambang kenangan keluarga. Adalah zalim jika rakyat dipaksa menerima risiko kehilangan rumah mereka tanpa perlindungan undang-undang yang kukuh.

Sekiranya URA dikuatkuasa, keseimbangan kuasa akan berpihak sepenuhnya kepada pemaju. Akta ini berpotensi menjadi “piagam pemaju” dan bukan “piagam rakyat”. Justeru, FOMCA menegaskan bahawa ambang persetujuan minimum sebanyak 95 peratus daripada pemilik rumah yang terlibat mesti dijadikan syarat mandatori. Ambang yang lebih rendah, seperti 75 atau 80 peratus, bererti sejumlah besar keluarga berisiko kehilangan rumah mereka walaupun mereka tidak bersetuju. Dalam sebuah blok yang mempunyai 100 unit, ambang 80 peratus membolehkan 20 keluarga dipaksa keluar walaupun mereka menolak. Ramai daripada mereka yang membantah mungkin mempunyai alasan yang kukuh seperti masalah kewangan, nilai sentimental, atau tidak yakin dengan tawaran pampasan yang dicadangkan. Ambang 95 peratus adalah jaminan minimum untuk memastikan pembangunan semula hanya dijalankan dengan sokongan majoriti yang benar-benar besar dan memaksa pemaju berunding secara adil.

(ENG) PRESS RELEASE: URBAN RENEWAL ACT MUST BE REVAMPED — GOVERNMENT AND MPs MUST HEAR THE RAKYAT BEFORE TABLING

2025-08-22T01:47:06+00:00

DATE OF RELEASE: 22^nd AUGUST 2025

Dear Editor,

PRESS RELEASE: URBAN RENEWAL ACT MUST BE REVAMPED — GOVERNMENT AND MPs MUST HEAR THE RAKYAT BEFORE TABLING

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) strongly urges the Government not to table the Urban Renewal Act (URA) in its current form. The Act is too sensitive, too far-reaching, and too dangerous to be rushed into Parliament without a fundamental revamp and genuine stakeholder consultation. At stake are not just buildings and land but the very homes, livelihoods, and security of Malaysian families.

While urban renewal can bring positive benefits such as modernising infrastructure and upgrading public amenities, Malaysia is not ready for such a sweeping law. On the ground, developers have already been approaching residents with half-truths and promises that are either misleading or incomplete. Too often, critical details on compensation, relocation, or project timelines are hidden, leaving homeowners unable to make informed decisions. Even more troubling, there are instances of intimidation where residents feel pressured to sign consent documents. For most Malaysians, a home is their largest lifetime investment, built through decades of hard work and representing priceless family memories. To expose citizens to such risks without strong safeguards is unacceptable.

If the URA is introduced in its current state, it will tilt the balance dangerously in favour of developers, effectively becoming a developers’ charter instead of a people’s charter. FOMCA insists that a 95 percent consent threshold is the only acceptable safeguard. Any lower threshold — whether 75 or 80 percent — would open the door to forced displacement. In a 100-unit block, for instance, an 80 percent threshold would mean 20 families could lose their homes against their will. These dissenters are not obstacles; they may have very valid reasons — financial constraints, deep sentimental ties to their homes, or distrust in the compensation process. A 95 percent safeguard ensures that redevelopment can only proceed with overwhelming community support and compels developers to negotiate fairly instead of forcing through projects with a slim majority.

Langkah wajib papar preskripsi dan bil perubatan lindungi pengguna

2025-08-11T04:49:15+00:00

PUTRAJAYA: Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) menyokong langkah kerajaan mewajibkan paparan preskripsi ubat dan bil perubatan di fasiliti kesihatan swasta.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif FOMCA Dr Saravanan Thambirajah berkata langkah ini penting untuk melindungi pengguna daripada caj tersembunyi.

Beliau menegaskan langkah ini tidak mencabar hak profesional doktor tetapi memastikan perkhidmatan kesihatan berfokuskan pesakit.

“Kajian menunjukkan pengguna boleh jimat 40 hingga 50 peratus jika harga ubat dikawal,“ katanya.

Perbelanjaan kesihatan swasta semakin meningkat sama ada melalui insurans atau bayaran terus oleh pengguna.

Saravanan berkata ketelusan dalam bil perubatan penting untuk mengelak amalan tidak beretika.

Itemised billing ensures healthcare remains patient-focused, says Fomca

2025-08-11T04:44:59+00:00

PETALING JAYA: Itemised bills for every consultation and medical charges at private clinics do not undermine clinical practice but ensure healthcare remains patient-focused and ethically delivered, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Its chief executive officer, Dr T. Saravanan, said issuing a detailed bill empowers patients with the knowledge to compare prices or seek more affordable outlets.

“It dismantles the information asymmetry that has long allowed profiteering under the guise of medical convenience,” he said in a statement on Friday (August 8).

Saravanan added that consumers, especially the elderly, the chronically ill, and lower-income groups, have long been voiceless and disadvantaged due to opaque pricing.

“The government’s reform restores their agency, reduces unjust markups, and brings our healthcare system up to international standards,” he said.

Itemised billing ensures healthcare remains patient-focused, says Fomca

2025-08-11T04:44:56+00:00

Its chief executive officer, Dr T. Saravanan, said issuing a detailed bill empowers patients with the knowledge to compare prices or seek more affordable outlets.

“It dismantles the information asymmetry that has long allowed profiteering under the guise of medical convenience,” he said in a statement on Friday (August 8).

Saravanan added that consumers, especially the elderly, the chronically ill, and lower-income groups, have long been voiceless and disadvantaged due to opaque pricing.

“The government’s reform restores their agency, reduces unjust markups, and brings our healthcare system up to international standards,” he said.

(BM) FOMCA SIARAN MEDIA: KETELUSAN DALAM PENJAGAAN KESIHATAN SWASTA - ‘PRESKRIPSI’ YANG SEKIAN LAMA DIPERLUKAN

2025-08-08T06:14:02+00:00

TARIKH SIARAN: 8 OGOS 2025

Kepada Ketua Editor,

SIARAN MEDIA: KETELUSAN DALAM PENJAGAAN KESIHATAN SWASTA - ‘PRESKRIPSI’ YANG SEKIAN LAMA DIPERLUKAN

Langkah kerajaan untuk mewajibkan pemberian preskripsi ubat dan bil terperinci di fasiliti penjagaan kesihatan swasta bukan sahaja wajar dipuji, malah perlu diberikan sokongan sepenuhnya. Malaysia sekian lama mengamalkan sistem kesihatan dua aliran: sektor awam yang bersubsidi dan mudah diakses, serta sektor swasta yang berasaskan kaedah pasaran di mana bayaran secara tunai oleh pengguna masih menjadi amalan utama. Malah, hampir separuh perbelanjaan penjagaan kesihatan negara berdasarkan daripada poket pengguna, dengan lebih kurang 35 peratus dibayar sendiri oleh pengguna (out-of-pocket)—situasi ini jelas menunjukkan betapa mudahnya pengguna menjadi mangsa dalam sistem yang tidak telus ini.

Dari sudut makroekonomi, inflasi kos perubatan di Malaysia melonjak kepada 12.6 peratus pada tahun 2023, iaitu dua kali ganda purata global sebanyak 5.6 peratus. Lonjakan ini banyak dipacu oleh caj tidak terkawal daripada sektor swasta. Bank Negara Malaysia telah menegaskan bahawa ketelusan harga yang lebih baik—termasuk pemaparan harga ubat dan prosedur serta bil terperinci—adalah penting untuk membendung kenaikan ini dan melindungi pengguna.

Dari segi mikro pula, keadaannya lebih membimbangkan. Kajian daripada sumber yang boleh dipercayai menunjukkan bahawa harga ubat untuk penyakit biasa di sektor swasta boleh mencecah beberapa hari gaji. Sebagai contoh, harga ubat antihipertensi tertentu dari jenama asal (innovator) di sektor swasta boleh mencecah sehingga 2.3 hari gaji, manakala versi generik pula antara setengah hingga satu hari gaji. Ini merupakan beban yang sangat berat bagi golongan berpendapatan rendah. Di sesetengah klinik, untung atas angin bagi ubat generik boleh mencecah melebihi 100 peratus—yang bermakna kos rawatan asas meningkat dua kali ganda disebabkan oleh keuntungan tersembunyi.

(ENG) FOMCA PRESS RELEASE: TRANSPARENCY IN PRIVATE HEALTHCARE - A PRESCRIPTION LONG OVERDUE

2025-08-08T06:12:02+00:00

DATE OF RELEASE: 8^th AUGUST 2025

Dear Editor,

PRESS RELEASE: TRANSPARENCY IN PRIVATE HEALTHCARE - A PRESCRIPTION LONG OVERDUE

The government’s move to mandate prescription issuance and transparent, itemised billing in private healthcare facilities deserves not just recognition but wholehearted support. Malaysia has long operated a dual-tier healthcare system: the public sector, heavily subsidised and accessible, coexists with a private, market-driven sector where out-of-pocket payments continue to dominate. In fact, nearly half of all healthcare spending comes directly from patients’ pockets—about 35 percent is out-of-pocket—underscoring how vulnerable consumers are in this landscape.

On a macroeconomic scale, Malaysia’s medical cost inflation has surged to 12.6 percent in 2023—double the global average of 5.6 percent—significantly driven by unchecked private-sector charges . Bank Negara has emphasized that enhanced pricing transparency, including public drug and procedure prices and itemised billing, is pivotal in curbing this escalation and shielding consumers.

Micro-level data tell an even more alarming story. A trusted study revealed that medicines for everyday conditions can cost patients the equivalent of several days’ wages. For example, private sector prices for certain antihypertensive could cost 2.3 days of pay for innovator brands, while generics still cost half a day to a full day’s wage—a serious burden for low-income earners . In some clinics, generic drug markups exceeded 100 percent, meaning the cost of essential treatment was doubled by unseen profit margins.

Against this backdrop, requiring private clinics and pharmacies to issue a prescription alongside a detailed bill—listing consultation fees, drug names and prices, procedures, and materials—empowers patients with the knowledge to compare prices or seek more affordable outlets. It dismantles the information asymmetry that has long allowed profiteering under the guise of medical convenience. Studies show that if drug price caps were introduced, patients could realize savings of 40–50 percent on medicine costs—again demonstrating how much hidden room there is for fairer pricing.

Tax or total ban on vape products?

2025-08-04T03:20:50+00:00

PETALING JAYA: The recent revelation that the government may expand pro-health tax by taxing vape, tobacco and alcohol products has raised an eyebrow among activists, with concerns emerging that the proposal to ban vape may falter.

Anti-smoking crusaders are now demanding answers from the government on whether it will eventually move to ban vape, or just tax the substance, with Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer NV Subbarow querying the recent announcement under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

“I am totally confused. What is the point of imposing tax on vape products?

“The Health Minister must immediately clarify the government’s position on banning vape and e-cigarettes,” he said, emphasising CAP’s support for a total ban.

Subbarow said the government could instead impose higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol to reduce non-communicable diseases.

“The Finance Ministry must clarify the tax on vape,” said the anti-smoking activist, who argued that vape will lead to addiction problems that the government will have to deal with, including that of drug-laced vapes.

‘Trade deal unlikely to ease cost of living’

2025-08-04T03:18:39+00:00

PETALING JAYA: The reduction in US tariffs on Malaysian exports is a win for trade, but it would not ease the cost of living for consumers anytime soon, said the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca).

Its president Dr Saravanan Thambirajah pointed out that domestic policies, not foreign tariffs, are what shape household expenses.

He said the cut from 25% to 19% would boost export competitiveness and job stability but any relief for consumers would be indirect and gradual.

“The US tariff cut on Malaysian exports is mainly a trade move, with little direct effect on prices of domestic goods since it applies to exports, not imports,” he told theSun.

“As such, Malaysian consumers are unlikely to see an immediate drop in retail prices. But if it helps exporters maintain or grow market share, the resulting stability in jobs and incomes could indirectly support purchasing power over time.”

Saravanan said key cost-of-living pressures – food, housing, energy and transport – are driven by domestic policies, commodity prices and currency strength, not external tariffs.

‘Nuclear energy can wait’

2025-08-04T03:14:54+00:00

Govt should invest in other sustainable options first, say groups

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia should focus on developing safer, sustainable sources of energy production before even considering nuclear power, say interest groups.

There were serious concerns over nuclear energy that must be properly considered before it is introduced into the country’s power grid, said the Association of Water and Energy Research’s president Piarapakaran Subramaniam.

“While nuclear energy is often classified as clean based on greenhouse gas emissions, this assessment overlooks other critical environmental parameters like radioactivity, toxicity and long-term environmental impact.

“When we measure nuclear energy together with these environmental parameters, we will see that it is not as clean as claimed by certain parties,” he said, adding that public acceptance of nuclear energy is low.

The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which was unveiled on Thursday, stated that the government was considering the possibility of introducing nuclear energy as a clean energy source.

It also pointed out that the government would focus on developing and upgrading sustainable energy production infrastructure across the country, which include hydrogen hubs in Terengganu and east Malaysia.

FOMCA sambut baik pengumuman PMX, dapat ringankan kos sara hidup

2025-07-24T06:57:50+00:00

Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) mengalu-alukan pengumuman oleh Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim khususnya perluasan bantuan tunai Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) kepada semua warganegara dewasa berumur 18 tahun ke atas.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif FOMCA, Dr Saravanan Thambirajah berkata pemberian tunai sekali bayar RM100 mulai 31 Ogos ini melalui MyKad dan boleh dibelanjakan di lebih 4,100 premis runcit itu sudah tentu memberi manfaat kepada kira-kira 22 juta rakyat Malaysia.

“Pemberian ini mengiktiraf realiti semasa bahawa tekanan kos sara hidup bukan lagi isu golongan berpendapatan rendah saja, malah turut membelenggu kumpulan pertengahan.

“FOMCA menyambut baik pelbagai inisiatif diumumkan Perdana Menteri hari ini yang dapat meringankan beban kos sara hidup rakyat termasuk pemberian bantuan tunai RM100 secara one-off, penurunan harga petrol RON95, pembekuan kadar tol serta peluasan program Jualan Rahmah Madani,” katanya dipetik laporan BH.

Mengulas penurunan harga petrol RON95 kepada RM1.99 seliter, FOMCA menyifatkan ia sebagai langkah yang memberi impak langsung kepada berjuta pengguna, khususnya pekerja muda dan komuniti ekonomi gig.

Perluasan bantuan tunai langkah inklusif yang tepat- FOMCA

2025-07-24T06:56:06+00:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Langkah kerajaan memperluaskan bantuan tunai Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) kepada semua warganegara dewasa berumur 18 tahun ke atas tanpa mengira tahap pendapatan satu usaha inklusif yang tepat pada masanya.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA), Dr Saravanan Thambirajah, berkata bantuan yang akan diagihkan mulai 31 Ogos ini melalui MyKad dan boleh dibelanjakan di lebih 4,100 premis runcit itu sudah tentu memberi manfaat kepada kira-kira 22 juta rakyat Malaysia.

"Pemberian ini mengiktiraf realiti semasa bahawa tekanan kos sara hidup bukan lagi isu golongan berpendapatan rendah saja, malah turut membelenggu kumpulan pertengahan,"

"FOMCA menyambut baik pelbagai inisiatif diumumkan Perdana Menteri hari ini yang dapat meringankan beban kos sara hidup rakyat termasuk pemberian bantuan tunai RM100 secara one-off, penurunan harga petrol RON95, pembekuan kadar tol serta peluasan program Jualan Rahmah Madani," katanya ketika ditemui BH, hari ini.

Mengulas penurunan harga petrol RON95 kepada RM1.99 seliter, FOMCA menyifatkan ia sebagai langkah yang memberi impak langsung kepada berjuta pengguna, khususnya pekerja muda dan komuniti ekonomi gig.