‘Swift action key to price stability'
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.
'Fomca has begun receiving feedback from consumers regarding price hikes associated with the recent increase in the SST (sales and service tax) from 6% to 8%.
'Consumers are still confused about which products and services are affected.
'This confusion creates a fertile ground for abuse. Some traders may raise prices unjustifiably, citing the tax increase as the reason, even for items that are not actually taxed,' he added.
Saravanan said Fomca's role was not only to inform and educate consumers on their rights but also to relay their concerns to the relevant enforcement bodies.
'For the mechanism to work well, consistent and visible enforcement is needed to ensure traders do not misuse the sales tax revision as a pretext for profiteering,' said Saravanan.
Similarly, Malaysian Consumer Friendly Organisation vice-president Azlin Othman said the government should monitor logistics costs as well as establish a more balanced tax policy and make regular inspections at business premises.
'Quick and consistent action is important to protect consumers and maintain price stability,' said Azlin.
Consumers' Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kadeer said stronger enforcement was needed instead of waiting at the last moment for consumers to lodge complaints of getting cheated.
'The government should set up help desks or mobile units to proactively receive feedback.
'Traders who cheat consumers must be brought to court and face the maximum penalty,' added Mohideen.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Ministry tells VCs to assess SST expansion impact on students
SUNGAI PETANI: The Higher Education Ministry has instructed university vice-chancellors to conduct a detailed study to assess the impact of the expanded scope of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) on their students. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the objective of the study is to determine whether the SST expansion, which came into effect on July 1, has directly or indirectly contributed to higher learning costs. "We will examine in detail what is meant by the alleged increase in costs. What has been announced by the government relates to higher fees for international students coming to study in Malaysia due to increased tariffs or taxes on their education," he said. "We've already communicated this matter and gathered feedback. However, there may be other elements, either directly or indirectly, affecting local students as well," said Zambry, who is also Barisan Nasional secretary-general and Umno supreme council member, to reporters after officiating the Merbok Umno division meeting here Saturday (June 5). Expanding on the matter, Zambry said the study would cover all aspects related to student learning, including utility costs such as electricity for those living in rental housing. Previously, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Student Representative Council president Mohamad Amar Aidid Mohd Zain was reported as saying that the expanded scope of SST, effective since Tuesday, was believed to have financial implications for students. According to Mohamad Amar Aidid, the inclusion of digital subscriptions, electronic repairs, laundry services and online purchases under the SST has had a direct impact on students' cost of living. Meanwhile, Zambry said the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint 2025-2035, developed by the ministry, has been finalised and is expected to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this November. On reports of university students being diagnosed with HIV, Zambry said the ministry is leaving it to the respective institutions to monitor the situation and take appropriate action. - Bernama
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Expanded SST may burden rural students with price hikes on books, stationery, says SUPP man
Lau (seated, third left) takes a group photo with his mobile team. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 5): The federal government should look into concerns of possible price hikes on books and stationery following the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST), said Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan chairman Kevin Lau. He said many rural students were still dependent on textbooks and exercise books, and that this issue had been raised by the Sibu Stationery and Book Sellers Association. 'I came across a news article this morning about the extension of SST to include stationery and paper, and there is a worry that the increase in paper prices would impact items like books and exercise books. I believe the Finance Ministry (MOF) and federal government should address this concern raised by the association. 'As you know, in Sarawak, we have many students in rural areas that still depend on exercise books and textbooks. If this SST expansion becomes a burden for them, we hope that the MOF will find a solution and consider the education sector, which includes schools. 'As we all strive to earn a living, we recognise the significance of education for our children. We sincerely hope that this does not add extra pressure on parents and students, allowing them to continue their education without any hindrance,' he told The Borneo Post when met at SUPP Bawang Assan branch's mobile service here today. Lau said the association's concerns were legitimate and should be addressed and given special attention by MOF and the federal government. When asked if the sector should be left out of the expanded SST, he replied: 'I believe the federal government should think about exempting them but they need to examine the mechanism because it's more complex than that.' Lau said based on what he had read, the SST is applied to the pulp, which serves as the primary component in paper production. 'So, if that happens then it applies across the board. Therefore, I'm not sure how they are able to implement it in their mechanism. 'So again that requires a very detailed study by their side and of course, if it can be exempted particularly for the students and education sector, I think it's for the best. That's what we want for the students,' said Lau. According to Oriental Daily, based on the government's gazette, the scope of the expanded SST includes wood pulp raw materials, various types of paper stationery, printed materials, stamps, and postcards. Among the detailed list of goods subject to the expanded SST were various types of pulp used to produce paper, such as mechanical pulp, chemical pulp, and recycled pulp. It reported that this meant various types of paper and stationery products fell under the expanded SST list, including newsprint, notepads, exercise books, account books, folders, receipt books, diaries, and other common stationery. It was also reported that the selling prices for these products would likely be reviewed due to the increasing costs. Meanwhile, on the mobile service, Lau mentioned that it has been ongoing regularly in a bid to connect with the people. 'Being here offers us a valuable chance to engage not just with the public, but also with the business community.'
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
MOHE directs VCs to study SST impact on university students
SUNGAI PETANI: The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has instructed university vice-chancellors to conduct a detailed study to assess the impact of the expanded scope of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) on their students. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the objective of the study is to determine whether the SST expansion, which came into effect on July 1, has directly or indirectly contributed to higher learning costs. 'We will examine in detail what is meant by the alleged increase in costs. What has been announced by the government relates to higher fees for international students coming to study in Malaysia due to increased tariffs or taxes on their education,' he said. 'We've already communicated this matter and gathered feedback. However, there may be other elements, either directly or indirectly, affecting local students as well,' said Zambry, who is also Barisan Nasional secretary-general and Umno Supreme Council member, to reporters after officiating the Umno Merbok Division meeting here today. Expanding on the matter, Zambry said the study would cover all aspects related to student learning, including utility costs such as electricity for those living in rental housing. Previously, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Student Representative Council president Mohamad Amar Aidid Mohd Zain was reported as saying that the expanded scope of SST, effective since Tuesday, was believed to have financial implications for students. According to Mohamad Amar Aidid, the inclusion of digital subscriptions, electronic repairs, laundry services and online purchases under the SST has had a direct impact on students' cost of living. Meanwhile, Zambry said the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint 2025–2035, developed by the ministry, has been finalised and is expected to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this November. On reports of university students being diagnosed with HIV, Zambry said the ministry is leaving it to the respective institutions to monitor the situation and take appropriate action. - Bernama
