
Govt to continue liquefied petroleum gas subsidy
As such, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Ali dismissed claims by certain quarters that the government plans to abolish the subsidy, describing them as inaccurate and misleading.

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Barnama
4 hours ago
- Barnama
BNPL Service Providers Urged To Practise Self-regulation
SHAH ALAM, July 24 (Bernama) -- Online shopping platforms offering 'Buy Now Pay Later' (BNPL) services have been urged to self-regulate to ensure consumer rights remain protected. Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the approach was needed pending the introduction of a more comprehensive law. 'My advice to platform owners is to ensure their platforms are used responsibly and with integrity, as the e-commerce law has yet to be tabled in Parliament. 'For now, let us self-regulate, protect consumers, and foster a positive culture,' she said after the Closing Ceremony of the TikTok Shop Summit and the 2025 Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign here today. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying was previously reported to have said that BNPL transactions increased to 102.6 million in the first half of this year, compared with 83.8 million in the second half of 2024. According to Lim, the surge in BNPL transactions had exposed consumers, particularly low-income earners and those with low financial literacy, to the risk of unmanageable debts. Meanwhile, commenting on the one-off RM100 cash aid for citizens aged 18 and above, Fuziah said it can only be used at designated outlets under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme to prevent misuse. She said enforcement would be carried out continuously to prevent price hikes at the outlets involved. 'Aid recipients must use their identity card to make purchases at any of the 4,100 designated outlets nationwide and are only allowed to buy listed items to prevent misuse of the funds.


Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Premier: Comprehensive central utility data system needed to consolidate location of Sarawak's pipelines, utility infrastructure
Abang Johari gestures during a photo call in front of a Sungai Plan house connected to piped gas supply. – Ukas photo BINTULU (July 24): Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication have been tasked with establishing a comprehensive central utility data system. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this would consolidate the locations of all pipelines and utility infrastructure throughout the state. 'It is important to have a centralised data that can be overlaid with other utility systems, allowing for quick identification and resolution of issues such as pipeline faults or overlaps during road and development projects. 'In the past, we didn't have digital records. But now, there's no reason not to. Petros must lead in establishing a command and storage centre for utility data to manage and monitor all infrastructure,' he said during the launch of piped natural gas supply by Petros to households in Sungai Plan here yesterday. He said Petros, which marks its eighth anniversary this month, plays a critical role as Sarawak's sole gas aggregator in ensuring the state reaps direct benefits from its natural gas resources. 'Sarawak must take a more proactive role in managing its own oil and gas resources instead of simply observing while others operate within the state. 'We are not taking away everything from Petronas. We just want to manage what belongs to Sarawak. Petronas will continue their business, we are only taking a portion to ensure our own resources are managed by us,' he explained. The Premier hailed the launch of the piped gas supply in Sungai Plan as a transformative step. 'Now people can just turn on the stove using piped gas. No need to carry heavy LPG gas cylinders. With piped gas, it'll be much cheaper,' he said. He also outlined the expansion plan for the gas pipeline network, starting with Jepak and Kidurong's industrial areas by 2030 before extending to Tatau and Sebauh. He said the initiative would stimulate rural industrial development, particularly in food production by providing access to reliable and affordable gas supply. Abang Johari pointed out that Petros has invested RM3,500 per household for gas pipeline installations in Miri, with Petros covering the connection fee. He reiterated that domestic needs must take priority in gas utilisation. 'Our gas should first support local industries and economic growth before we export. While we respect Petronas' agreements with foreign companies, Sarawak's rights must be protected. 'We also need to be involved in downstream sectors, especially now that technology allows us to refine sour gas into sweet gas,' he said. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism for Sarawak's future, pointing to data suggesting the presence of onshore gas deposits across the state's western and coastal regions, including areas near Adong and possibly Kuching. 'With God's blessings and our resources, I am very confident that the future of Sarawak is bright,' he said. Abang Johari also stressed that all gas pipeline installations and connections must adhere to strict safety standards. 'Do not connect gas lines carelessly. If done incorrectly, it can be dangerous. Thank you to Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) and other safety agencies for educating the public on how to handle gas infrastructure safely,' he said. Abang Johari central utility data system lead


New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Ministry eyes more Rahmah Sales with more products
PUTRAJAYA: The extra RM300 million allocation for the Madani Rahmah Sales Programme will be used to increase the frequency of the government-led markets that offered discounted essential items. The allocation will also be used offer a wider variety of products and strengthen partnerships with retailers. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the funds announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday were on top of the original RM300 million allocation. "Our target is to hold 20,000 Madani Rahmah Sales in all 222 parliamentary constituencies, 600 state constituencies and 40 Federal Territory zones. "Up to July 22, 12,441 events have been held. With five months of the year remaining, we aim to reach the 20,000 target," he said after a inspecting a mobile Madani Rahmah Sale at his ministry's headquarters here. Armizan said the ministry also planned to increase the number of products at each event, especially during festive seasons to maximise consumer choice. He added that mobile Madani Rahmah Sales typically featured 20 to 30 products, and the new allocation allow it to be increased to 50. "The third focus is enhancing collaboration with strategic retail partners. We cannot operate alone. "With this additional allocation, we will intensify cooperation to hold Madani Rahmah Sales at mobile and fixed premises," he said, adding that some retailers offered discounts beyond the government's rates. Armizan said currently, discounts ranged from 10 to 30 per cent, and the extra allocation would allow even more price reductions. He also encouraged the public to check the Madani Rahmah Sales schedule on the ministry's website, which will be updated with new events following the additional allocation. Armizan said the ministry would fully utilise the RM300 million by year-end before submitting a report to the Finance Ministry. "If there is strong demand, we will propose an increase (for the 2026 Budget)," he said.