KUALA LUMPUR - Persekutuan Persatuan-Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) mendedahkan semakin banyak aduan diterima berhubung taktik halus yang digunakan peniaga untuk memanipulasi pengguna melalui iklan mengelirukan.

Ketua Pegawai Operasi FOMCA, Nur Asyikin Aminuddin berkata, rakan strategiknya, Pusat Khidmat Aduan Pengguna Nasional (NCCC) juga kerap menerima aduan yang berkaitan dengan amalan perniagaan yang tidak beretika dan segalanya bermula dari sebuah iklan yang mengelirukan.

Menurutnya, iklan sepatutnya digunakan sebagai alat makluman mengenai produk atau perkhidmatan yang ditawarkan, tetapi kini ia dijadikan sebagai perangkap halus untuk memanipulasi pengguna.

"Situasi ini amat membimbangkan kerana ia melibatkan perniagaan daripada pelbagai sektor termasuk pasar raya, kedai serbaneka, e-dagang, telekomunikasi, dan termasuk perkhidmatan kesejahteraan dan kecantikan," katanya dalam kenyataan.

Beliau berkata, sektor kesejahteraan dan kecantikan menunjukkan peningkatan ketara apabila hampir setiap minggu sekurang-kurangnya dua aduan berkaitan iklan mengelirukan diterima.

Terdapat premis yang beroperasi di luar bidang kuasa sama ada Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (�㽶��Ƶ) atau Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN), sekali gus membuka ruang eksploitasi.

KUALA LUMPUR: Tindakan syarikat telekomunikasi (telco) mengenakan caj RM10 sebulan untuk perkhidmatan perlindungan scam atau penipuan, disifatkan tidak wajar dan bercanggah prinsip tanggungjawab asas penyedia perkhidmatan itu terhadap keselamatan pengguna khidmat mereka.

Persatuan pengguna dan pakar komputer menyifatkan, keselamatan asas pengguna khidmat telekomunikasi daripada gangguan panggilan dan pesanan sepatutnya ditanggung setiap telco dan bukannya dijadikan sumber keuntungan baharu syarikat berkenaan.

Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM) dalam laporan pada April 2024, mendedahkan 99.3 peratus daripada kira-kira 34 juta rakyat negara ini mempunyai akses kepada telefon bimbit. Ia merangkumi perkhidmatan secara prabayar atau pasca bayar menerusi pelbagai pakej ditawarkan oleh telco tempatan.

Pensyarah Fakulti Sains Komputer dan Matematik Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Prof Madya Dr Mohamad Yusof Darus, berkata keselamatan digital tidak seharusnya dijadikan produk berbayar, sebaliknya ia hak asas setiap pelanggan yang perlu dijamin oleh semua telco.

"Isunya bukan sekadar pada nilai caj terbabit tetapi pada prinsip adakah keselamatan pengguna suatu pilihan tambahan atau tanggungjawab asas penyedia perkhidmatan.

"Apabila keselamatan dijadikan produk premium, ia seolah-olah menukar perlindungan asas kepada bentuk keuntungan, sedangkan kepercayaan terhadap jaringan komunikasi bergantung kepada jaminan keselamatan yang menyeluruh," katanya kepada BH, semalam.

PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has sounded the alarm over surging private health insurance premiums, adding that many elderly Malaysians are being priced out of protection just when they need it most.

Its CEO Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said premiums for policyholders over the age of 60 have surged two to threefold in the past two years, in some cases rising as much as 300%.

“Many retirees who have maintained their policies for decades are now forced to surrender them. Some even sacrifice their own coverage so their children could remain insured.”

He said the trend is deeply worrying, as seniors feel they are being “punished simply for growing older”.

He added that Fomca has seen a growing number of complaints about delayed or rejected claims, excessive red tape and insurers overriding the recommendations of doctors.

“When medical decisions are dictated by administrators instead of doctors, the system has failed.

“Some seniors even find it cheaper and less stressful to pay out-of-pocket than to use their insurance.”

�Ѵ������۳�����’S&�Բ�����;retirement policy has returned to the spotlight after the World Bank proposed raising the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal age to beyond 55, citing the country’s rapidly ageing population and longer life expectancy.

In its latest report, “Should Malaysia expand its social pension? Global evidence, design issues and options”, the international financial institution said the current withdrawal age of 55 and social pension eligibility at 60 are no longer in step with Malaysia’s demographic realities.

It argued that gradually increasing both thresholds would help sustain the country’s social protection system while allowing retirees to receive larger average benefits later in life.

The World Bank said the proposed shift would better reflect Malaysia’s demographic profile, with citizens now living longer and healthier than four decades ago, when the current EPF framework was first designed.

Citing data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s (DOSM) 2022 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), the Bank found that poverty risk rises sharply with age — 24% among households headed by those aged 60 and above, 42% for those 65 and above, and 49% for those 70 and above.

It added that raising the withdrawal and pension eligibility ages would be justified if paired with broader coverage for Malaysians without retirement savings or fixed pensions, to balance welfare needs with fiscal responsibility.

MALAYSIA is seeing a steady rise in mule account cases, mirroring the broader escalation of online financial scams. The issue cuts across demographics and is becoming a systemic threat to banking integrity and public trust.

The National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) to enhance cooperation in handling cross-border consumer complaints between Malaysia and Singapore.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason, Chairman of NCCC, and Mr. Melvin Yong, President of CASE, in Kuala Lumpur. This landmark agreement establishes a dedicated mechanism to help consumers in both countries resolve disputes amicably when purchasing goods or services across borders.

Under this partnership, a consumer who experiences a dispute while shopping or transacting across the Causeway can now lodge a complaint with their home country’s consumer body.

• Malaysian consumers with disputes against businesses in Singapore can file their complaints with NCCC, which will refer them to CASE for mediation
• Similarly, Singaporean consumers with disputes against Malaysian businesses can lodge their complaints with CASE, which will refer the case to NCCC for resolution

This cooperation provides consumers a more accessible, transparent, and efficient redress pathway, without the inconvenience of dealing directly with foreign systems.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are adapting well to the newly implemented Budi95 targeted fuel subsidy system, with most consumers expressing satisfaction with it, said the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Its CEO Saravanan Thambirajah said feedback from motorists after a month have been largely positive.

“The overall response to Budi95 has been encouraging. Consumers are adjusting to the new quota system and the MyKad-based verification process is functioning smoothly in most cases.”

Introduced to replace blanket fuel subsidies, Budi95 ensures that assistance reaches those who truly need it while curbing smuggling and misuse.

Most Malaysians now display greater awareness of their fuel usage. Many are planning travel more efficiently, and the quota has proven sufficient for personal and family needs for the vast majority.

Saravanan said Fomca strongly recommends retaining the 300-litre limit, which balances fairness, predictability and fiscal responsibility.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has welcomed the government's proposal to integrate all welfare and aid programmes into the MyKad system, describing it as a positive and timely step towards better governance.

"Centralising the data and delivery system can enhance efficiency, coordination, and accountability, ensuring that public assistance reaches those who truly need it," said secretary-general Dr Saravanan Thambirajah when reached by the New Straits Times. 

Saravanan cautioned, however, that the system must be underpinned by strong data protection and privacy safeguards to prevent misuse or leaks of personal information.

"Consumers' personal and financial information must be kept secure at all times," he said, adding that while digital integration could bring convenience, it must not compromise trust or fairness.

Saravanan said the initiative could ease the burden faced by vulnerable groups who currently deal with excessive bureaucracy and complicated documentation when applying for aid, reducing administrative hurdles and emotional strain. 

He added that integrating data from federal, state, and zakat institutions could also prevent overlapping assistance and ensure fairer resource distribution.

PETALING JAYA: Free health screenings and subsidised medical insurance for the B40 should be widened to include middle-income families who are also feeling the pinch from rising medical inflation, say stakeholders.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah said many M40 households now face similar financial pressures as the B40, including higher medical costs, stagnant wages, and limited access to affordable private healthcare.

“They are the ‘missing middle’ who fall through the cracks of social protection.

“By widening coverage through a shared-subsidy or co-payment model, the government can ensure more Malaysians are protected against unexpected medical expenses while keeping the schemes financially sustainable,” he said.

He said this in response to Aon’s 2026 Global Medical Trend Rates Report which projects Malaysia’s medical inflation to hit 16% in 2026, well above the Asia-Pacific average of 11.3%.

Current health programmes for the B40 include Peka B40, which offers free check-ups, medical device aid, and early detection incentives for Malaysians aged 40 and above.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.