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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

PETALING JAYA: The special targeted relief announced by Prime Minis­ter Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must be complemented by long-term strategies to support those in need, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Asso­cia­tions (Fomca).

Its vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said while Fomca welcomes the measures, including the one-off RM100 cash assistance for eligible individuals and the adjustment of RON95 ceiling price, the impact of such initiatives remains limited due to its one-time nature and the escalating cost of basic goods and services.

“In the long term, Malay­sia needs a more resilient and inclusive economic model that puts the welfare of ordinary consumers at the centre of policy­-making.

“While short-term aid is necessary during times of economic uncertainty, it must be complemented by structural reforms that reduce cost burdens, protect vulnerable groups including the lower middle class segments, and ensure a fairer distribution of national wealth,” she said when contacted yesterday.

Yesterday, Anwar announced several key initiatives as part of the Madani government’s appreciation for the people, including a one-off RM100 Sara aid via MyKad for all Malaysian adults, postponement of toll rate hikes for 10 highways, and a lower subsidised RON95 petrol price of RM1.99 per litre.

Kathleen Chem, an associate director in Fitch Ratings’ Sove­reigns team, said: “Fitch estimates the total cost of these measures at RM2.3bil, or about 0.1% of GDP, which we believe can be accommodated within the Budget 2025 target of 3.8% of GDP.

GEORGE TOWN: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has welcomed the series of initiatives announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim aimed at easing the cost of living burden for Malaysian consumers.

These include the one-off RM100 cash assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, the reduction in RON95 petrol prices, the decision to maintain current toll rates across major highways, and the expanded reach of the Jualan Rahmah Madani programme.

Its chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah, said Fomca viewed the RM100 one-off assistance as a timely and inclusive step, especially given the persistent pressure of food prices despite the overall inflation rate remaining low.

"The government's move to extend this assistance to all adult citizens aged 18 and above, regardless of income level, is unprecedented and signals recognition that the cost-of-living crisis is affecting not just the lower-income group but also the middle class.

"This broad-based approach is commendable and shows the government's responsiveness to the realities on the ground," he told the New Straits Times.

ELECTRICITY theft in Malaysia must be treated as a major economic and criminal issue, not merely a technical violation, said the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), following revelations of RM4.8 billion in losses linked to illegal bitcoin mining activities between 2018 and mid-2024.

FOMCA’s chief executive officer, Dr T. Saravanan, called for immediate and decisive action from the government, regulators and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), including the adoption of smart technologies such as real-time monitoring and data analytics to detect unusual electricity usage.

“Enforcement efforts must be intensified, not only targeting the operators of illegal mining farms but also extending legal accountability to landlords, enablers and financiers who profit from or facilitate these activities,” he said in a statement.

Dr Saravanan stressed the need for urgent reform of existing laws to ensure penalties are proportional to the scale of the offence.

KUALA LUMPUR: Rang Undang-Undang (RUU) Kredit Pengguna 2025 yang bertujuan melindungi kepentingan pengguna kredit di negara ini mendapat kelulusan Dewan Rakyat hari ini.

RUU itu dibentangkan bagi bacaan kali kedua dan ketiga oleh Timbalan Menteri Kewangan, Lim Hui Ying hari ini dan dibahaskan 23 Ahli Parlimen.

Menurut Hui Ying, sebaik sahaja diwartakan, RUU itu akan memperkenalkan pengawalseliaan bersepadu secara berperingkat, mengambil kira tahap kesiapsiagaan industri serta keupayaan Suruhanjaya Kredit Pengguna yang akan ditambah baik secara berfasa.

Katanya, suruhanjaya itu akan melaksanakan tugas pengawalseliaan secara berperingkat, bermula dengan penyedia kredit yang kini tidak berada di bawah seliaan mana-mana pihak berkuasa, sebelum pemusatan sepenuhnya dijangka berlaku menjelang tahun 2031.

"Fasa pertama akan menyaksikan suruhanjaya mengawal selia semua perniagaan kredit dan penyedia perkhidmatan kredit yang tidak dikawal selia ketika ini.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s middle class is being squeezed out of national policymaking, despite bearing the brunt of rising costs and shrinking financial buffers, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Fomca chief operating officer Nur Asyikin Aminuddin said while public aid and subsidies are typically directed at the B40 group, the M40 – those earning between RM5,000 and RM10,000 monthly – are increasingly caught in a financial bind. The middle class is battling inflation, rising living costs and fading financial safety nets.

“They’re too ‘rich’ for aid but not rich enough to withstand economic shocks. Their commitments – housing loans, education, insurance and care for ageing parents aren’t factored into current income-based assessments. They’re trapped in survival mode.”

Nur Asyikin said Fomca has received more complaints from M40 households, especially since the Sales and Service Tax (SST) was raised to 8%.

She said it has driven up service costs in logistics, repairs and professional fees – putting further pressure on household budgets.

PETALING JAYA: All artificial intelligence-generated content may have to be labelled as “AI generated”, says communications minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi said the government was considering the move under the Online Safety Act 2024, which is expected to come into force by the end of this year, Bernama reported.

He said the move was crucial to address the misuse of AI, especially on social media platforms for purposes such as scams, defamation, and identity impersonation.

“We may consider this requirement, for example, under the Online Safety Act, which is expected to come into effect by the end of this year.

“We also believe platforms must be proactive in labelling AI-generated content as such,” he said at a press conference after attending an event in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, today.

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 Julai - Pembelian barangan buatan Malaysia terus memberi impak signifikan kepada pengguna dan ekonomi negara secara keseluruhan.

Menurut Ahli Eksekutif Bahagian Komunikasi Strategik dan Pengurusan Sumber, Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA), Tamilarasan Nalliah, langkah ini berupaya membuka lebih banyak peluang pekerjaan kepada rakyat tempatan, seterusnya membantu menurunkan kadar pengangguran negara.

“Beli barangan buatan Malaysia ni memberi banyak impak, bukan sahaja dari segi mikro, tetapi makro juga. Contohnya setiap pembelian barang buatan Malaysia kita boleh menjamin setiap ringgit yang kita belanja itu akan kekal dalam negara, seterusnya menjamin rantaian perniagaan yang lebih stabil," katanya kepada pemberita di Angkasapuri Kota Media.

Selain menjana peluang ekonomi, barangan tempatan juga diyakini berkualiti tinggi kerana mematuhi piawaian antarabangsa.

Ke arah itu, kerajaan turut menyokong usaha memartabatkan produk tempatan melalui pelbagai inisiatif termasuk Kempen Beli Barangan Malaysia, penyediaan latihan dan geran pemasaran serta platform Zon Perdagangan Bebas Digital (DFTZ) untuk memasarkan produk ke peringkat global.

PUTRAJAYA: Among ways to prevent unnecessary price hikes is to strengthen existing mechanisms for price monitoring and enforcement, says a consumer rights activist.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Saravanan Thambirajah said this is one of the most immediate actions the government could take.

“When prices of essential items are being hiked up arbitrarily or without justification, there must be swift investigation and enforcement by the authorities.

“The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s call for consumer associations to serve as its eyes and ears is a good initiative, but it will only be effective if reports from the ground lead to real action,” he said. 

Saravanan added that the government must focus on transparency to prevent the public from becoming victims of inflated prices or being wrongly taxed.

“When consumers know the market price of goods, they are in a better position to make informed choices.

PETALING JAYA: Consumer groups and road safety advocates are calling for an immediate clampdown on the sale of dummy buckles and related accessories, both online and in stores.

This is despite the looming ban on the import of these accessories into Malaysia by the year-end.

Federation of Malaysian Con­sumers Associations chief executive officer Saravanan Thambi­rajah said their continued availability demonstrates a gap in regulatory enforcement.

“Online marketplaces should not become loopholes for banned or dangerous products to reach consumers.

“Similarly, physical retail shops, especially car accessory outlets, need to be monitored, and any attempt to sell existing stock of dummy buckles and related items after the ban must result in firm penalties,” he said, urging for e-commerce platforms to be held accountable for their content.

Checks over several online platforms as at press time yesterday also showed that dummy seat belt buckles are readily available and cost well under RM10.