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Govt to engage with pharmaceutical industry on potential hike in drug pricesPETALING JAYA: The price display of drugs and medical servi­ces will help mitigate spiralling medical insurance and medical costs, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associa­tions (Fomca).

Such transparent pricing would empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, encourage healthy market competition and ultimately contributes to lowering overall costs, said Fomca vice-president and legal advisor Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham.

By clearly displaying medication costs separately from consultation fees, she said patients can compare prices and avoid hidden charges.

“When consumers are aware of pricing details, they are better equipped to manage their expenses, particularly in a time when out-of-pocket healthcare costs continue to rise.

“In today’s challenging economic environment, ensuring that every Malaysian has access to affordable and clear healthcare information is not just a policy option but a consumer right.

“Fomca has consistently advocated for stronger government oversight and regulation of private healthcare fees to prevent excessive profiteering and ensure fair pricing where many Malaysians are already struggling with rising cost of living.

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Government Announces Free 5GB Data For All Malaysians On The First Day Of Hari RayaKUALA LUMPUR — The announcement of a 5GB free data incentive for Malaysians on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is considered a noble effort by the MADANI government to particularly benefit the B40 group who have limited data plans.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) president Datuk Dr. Marimuthu Nadason said that the provision of free data is a positive step, especially during the festive season, to ensure that all layers of society can continue to connect with family and friends without internet access limitations.

“Although this incentive may seem small, it is still significant because communication is essential in daily life. The B40 group will certainly welcome this initiative because it greatly needs assistance in accessing data,” he told Bernama today.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the spokesperson for the MADANI government, today announced the provision of the RAHMAH rebate incentive in the form of an additional minimum data quota of 5GB for prepaid and post-paid users.

The additional data quota is valid for a minimum period of 24 hours, subject to the terms and conditions of the involved telecommunications service provider. 

Meanwhile, Malaysian Youth Council (MBM ) chief information officer Syafiq Ridzwan Jamaluddin believes that this incentive also opens up opportunities for the youth to optimise the use of digital technology in various forms, including producing high-quality creative content for the celebration, thereby igniting the spirit of Aidilfitri on digital platforms.

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Govt must ensure grouses are heard and address complaints on quality and supply reliability: Fomca

Fomca says consumers should not be expected to pay more without knowing how the additional revenue will be utilised. - AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUNPETALING JAYA: A proposed water tariff review has divided public opinion – while some see it as crucial for better infrastructure, others fear it will worsen the financial burden of struggling households.

Engineer Razman Ismail, 48, acknowledged the need for sustainable water management but insists that any increase must be reasonable and justified. “While I’m living quite comfortably, the increase should still be reasonable, perhaps around 5% to 10%. But, authorities must be transparent about how the funds will be used.”

This view aligns with concerns expressed by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), which opposes tariff hikes without clear justification and transparency.

Fomca CEO Dr Saravanan Thambirajah urged the government to ensure consumer voices are heard, adding that it opposed decision-making that treats public consultation as a mere ‘tick-the-box’ exercise.

“The government must address concerns about affordability, service quality and accountability. We also call for audit reports to be made public to ensure water operators manage funds responsibly.”

On March 10, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government was reviewing water tariffs, with adjustments expected in some states.

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The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has welcomed the government’s plan to launch the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS) pilot project to regulate the sale of subsidised cooking oil at the retail level. FILE PICKUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has welcomed the government's plan to launch the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS) pilot project to regulate the sale of subsidised cooking oil at the retail level.

Its chief executive officer T. Saravanan said a targeted digital system like eCOSS would help minimise leakages and subsidy abuse by tracking distribution patterns.

"Subsidies are a safety net for vulnerable groups, especially the B40. Digitising and monitoring the distribution system will strengthen this safety net," he said.

Saravanan added that a targeted system ensures public funds are used efficiently and fairly, with stronger accountability.

However, he cautioned that the QR code scanning requirement for purchases could pose challenges for certain groups, including the elderly, rural communities, and low-income earners who may not own smartphones or be digitally literate.

He suggested providing alternative access options, such as MyKad-based verification, manual registration, or retailer-assisted scanning.

"Clear public awareness campaigns and on-ground support are essential to avoid confusion or unintentional exclusion of eligible consumers," he said.

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The federation of consumer groups says using the MyKad in channelling aid has proven to boost efficiency while making it easier for those who apply.

payment using ic pembayaran menggunakan kad pengenalan PETALING JAYA: The use of the MyKad has proven useful in reducing bureaucracy and ensuring that social aid can be distributed to the people more effectively, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Fomca CEO T Saravanan said the identity card equipped with a smart chip can reduce the processes applicants have to go through to apply for welfare aid, including the submission of physical documents.

He cited how recipients of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) need only furnish the details in their MyKad for their applications to be processed.

“Aid can then be channelled directly into the bank accounts of the recipients, making the process more efficient while reducing the risk of delays and saving costs for the government.

“This can ensure transparency, efficiency as well as accuracy in the distribution of aid to those actually in need, and curb leakages,” he told FMT.

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Fomca CEO T Saravanan says some recipients lack financial planning awareness, leading them to misuse aid rather than allocate it on essentials.

program STR PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has urged the government to prioritise financial literacy programmes to ensure aid recipients use financial assistance effectively and reduce long-term dependency.

Fomca CEO T Saravanan said that while awareness of government assistance programmes like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) is high, many Malaysians misunderstand its purpose and tend to spend aid on non-essential needs.

“Some lack financial planning awareness, reducing the long-term impact of these programmes,” he told FMT.

“Many Malaysians perceive cash assistance as long-term entitlements rather than temporary financial support.”

To address this, Saravanan proposed incorporating financial education in schools and conducting workshops for working adults to promote responsible financial management.

“There must be upskilling and employment programmes to equip Malaysians with new skills to increase earning capacity, reducing dependency on financial aid,” he added.

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Sistem penjejakan elektronik minyak elak barang bersubsidi diselewengKUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan pengguna menyokong langkah kerajaan membangunkan sistem penjejakan elektronik dikenali Skim Penstabilan Harga Minyak Masak (eCOSS), bagi memantau 'pergerakan' dan penyelewengan barang kawalan bersubsidi di peringkat peruncit.

Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) serta Persatuan Ekonomi Pengguna dan Keluarga (MACFEA) berpandangan pengenalan sistem seperti itu berupaya berfungsi untuk menjalankan pemantauan dan penjejakan dengan lebih telus, sekali gus dapat menjamin barang keperluan yang diberi subsidi oleh kerajaan sampai kepada golongan sasar.

Ketua Pegawai Operasi FOMCA, Nur Asyikin Aminuddin, berharap eCOSS membolehkan pihak penguatkuasa memastikan kualiti barang kawalan yang diberikan subsidi tidak terjejas di sepanjang rantaian pengedaran.

"Sistem eCOSS ini bagus kerana berpotensi untuk mengurangkan ketirisan minyak masa subsidi. Setiap pengedaran barang keperluan ini boleh dijejaki dan mengesahkan sejarah, lokasi atau proses di sepanjang rantaian bekalan itu dari pengeluar sehingga peringkat pengguna.

"Kaedah penjejakan ini juga sangat berguna dalam kawalan kualiti, pematuhan, keselamatan dan lebih telus.

"Melalui kaedah penjejakan, ia turut membolehkan pihak penguatkuasa memastikan minyak masak subsidi yang diedarkan memenuhi standard kualiti yang ditetapkan dan dapat dikesan dengan cepat jika ada masalah kualiti, pencemaran serta penyelewengan.

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SKos rawatan yang tidak terkawal mengakibatkan pesakit mengabaikan rawatan perubatan kerana tidak mampu membayar harga ubat yang tinggi. Gambar hiasan (Gambar kecil: Nur Asyikin)HAH ALAM - Kerajaan digesa mengawal selia sektor perubatan swasta bagi memastikan pelaksanaan tanda harga ubat-ubatan di klinik dan hospital kategori itu dapat melindungi hak pengguna.

Ketua Pegawai Operasi Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (Fomca), Nur Asyikin Aminuddin berkata, akses kepada ubat-ubatan berpatutan dan telus bukan sekadar keperluan, tetapi hak asas pengguna yang perlu dihormati semua penyedia perkhidmatan kesihatan.

"Kami percaya meletakkan tanda harga dapat memperkasakan pengguna untuk membuat keputusan lebih baik mengenai kesihatan mereka, di samping meningkatkan ketelusan.

"Kerajaan perlu memainkan peranan bagi memastikan penyedia perkhidmatan kesihatan swasta tidak mengambil kesempatan ke atas pesakit yang sering kali berada dalam keadaan terdesak untuk mendapatkan rawatan," katanya menerusi kenyataan pada Rabu.

Dalam pada itu beliau menegaskan, kegagalan mengawal harga ubatan sektor swasta memberi impak negatif terutama kepada golongan berpendapatan rendah dan sederhana.

Malah menurutnya, kos rawatan yang tidak terkawal mengakibatkan pesakit mengabaikan rawatan perubatan kerana tidak mampu membayar harga ubat yang tinggi.

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Indira said laws regulate pricing and supply, but enforcement is key to preventing unjustified price hikes. —NSTP/Hairul Anuar RahimKUALA LUMPUR: Despite the government's introduction of the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) to control food prices, some traders may still find ways to justify price increases, said a consumer group.

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said that based on previous years, certain traders have used various excuses to hike prices even when price control measures were in place.

"We have seen time and again that some traders will find ways to justify raising prices, even when controlled pricing is introduced during festive seasons," she said on NST's Beyond the Headlines.

Indira stressed that existing laws, such as the Price Control Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and the The Control of Supplies Act 1961, to regulate pricing and supply but effective monitoring and enforcement are necessary to prevent unjustified price hikes.

"It's just a matter of monitoring, surveillance and also enforcement. That is why consumers must remain vigilant and report any unreasonable price hikes," she said.

"If there are shortages, it is crucial for consumers to inform consumer groups (such as Fomca) or the ministry so that action can be taken," she added.

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Explained: Current State of Malaysian TaxPETALING JAYA: While tax hikes are meant to boost national revenue, the government must clearly outline how these funds are allocated, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Fomca vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said that with the service tax raised for certain ­sectors last year, consumers are facing higher costs for services such as repairs and logistics.

She said those services affected by the hike from 6% to 8% tax since March 1 last year include accommodation, nightclubs, karaoke centres, wellness centres, and golf courses.

“Due to this, businesses have passed on the burden of cost to consumers, leading to higher fees for building repairs, plumbing and electrical services,” she said when contacted.

She pointed to Sweden as a model, where tax revenues are reinvested into public services, such as healthcare and education.

“Consumers are more willing to pay taxes when they can see tangible benefits.”

“The government must implement strong monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent businesses from taking advantage of tax hikes to unjustifiably inflate prices beyond the necessary adjustments,” Indrani said.

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