Latest news with #AMRI
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Deceptive claims: CCP imposes Rs40m fine on Al-Ghazi Tractors
ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) Tuesday imposed a penalty of Rs 40 million on a tractor manufacturing company for making deceptive claims about fuel efficiency having serious financial consequences for small farmers. In a detailed final order passed by a two-member bench comprising Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu (Chairman) and Salman Amin (Member), the Commission found that Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited (AGTL) advertisement published on January 24, 2022, falsely claimed that its new Holland tractor models offered 'up to 30 percent extra diesel savings compared to any competitor's tractors.' The misleading claim was widely circulated in media and referenced a report by the Agriculture Mechanization Research Institute (AMRI), Multan, giving it an air of official credibility. However, the Commission's investigation revealed that AMRI never endorsed the claim, nor did its report support the fuel-saving comparison being advertised. In rural Pakistan—where over 60% of the population relies on agriculture—tractors are long-term investments, and such exaggerated claims can have serious financial consequences for small farmers. These communities are particularly vulnerable to misleading advertisements due to limited access to technical verification or alternative sources of information. A 30 percent fuel-saving claim could mean thousands of rupees of projected savings to a farmer—yet no such advantage existed. After receiving complaints from stakeholders and conducting a thorough investigation, the CCP determined that the AMRI report only compared AGTL tractors to those of one other manufacturer (Millat Tractors) in limited settings. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘False fuel saving claim': CCP imposes Rs40mn penalty on Al-Ghazi Tractors
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has imposed a penalty of Rs40 million on Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited (AGTL) for 'violating competition law and misguiding consumers', a statement from the CCP said on Tuesday. In January 2022, AGTL ran a front-page ad in an Urdu newspaper, claiming its new Holland tractor models offered 'up to 30% extra diesel savings compared to any competitor's tractors.' The ad cited a report by the Agricultural Mechanisation Research Institute (AMRI), Multan as basis of its claim. CCP says recovered Rs10mn penalty from PIA for 'abusing dominant position' 'Farmers across Pakistan, especially small landholders often make purchasing decisions based on savings and efficiency. For them, a claim like 'up to 30% extra diesel savings' can mean the difference between affordability and hardship. 'But this claim, made by Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited in a newspaper ad, has now been declared false and misleading by the Competition Commission of Pakistan. The bench comprising Dr Kabir Ahmed, the Chairman CCP and Mr Salman Amin (Member) has imposed a penalty of PKR 40 million on AGTL for violating competition law and misguiding consumers,' the CCP statement read. According to the CCP, it found that AMRI had not issued any report supporting the claim. 'In fact, AMRI had warned AGTL to stop using its name for false claim and to retract the advertisement.' The AMRI report, which AGTL selectively quoted, only tested tractors from two manufacturers—AGTL and one competitor, the CCP said. 'It did not provide market-wide fuel efficiency comparisons. AMRI also emphasised that its report contained general energy-saving tips, not certification of any tractor model's performance.'
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sultan of Brunei keen to visit Malaysia for ASEAN Summit
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah today expressed a strong interest in visiting Malaysia, particularly to attend the upcoming ASEAN Summit and related forums. Malaysia's Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the Sultan conveyed this during an audience granted to her and ASEAN information ministers at Istana Nurul Iman, held in conjunction with the 17th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) and Related Meetings here. 'His Majesty said he is very much looking forward to visiting Malaysia, especially with the upcoming ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China Economic Forum taking place in less than two weeks, as it is a significant and historic event for the region,' she told Bernama. Also present during the audience were the deputy secretary-general of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), San Lwin, senior information officials, and representatives from ASEAN Plus Three dialogue partners, China, Japan and South Korea. Teo conveyed her sincere appreciation to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for granting the audience and thanked Brunei for its steadfast commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in the fields of information and communication. Teo is leading the Malaysian delegation to the 17th AMRI conference, which concluded on Wednesday. The 46th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for May 26–27, will convene leaders from the bloc's 10 member states to address regional challenges, promote economic cooperation and advance the shared principles of inclusivity and sustainability. Malaysia assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship from Laos on Jan 1, 2025, under the theme 'Inclusion and Sustainability,' reflecting its commitment to fostering a united, resilient and forward-looking ASEAN community. This marks Malaysia's fifth term as ASEAN Chair, having previously held the position in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Deputy Comms Minister holds bilateral talks with Asean ministers in Brunei
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching held bilateral meetings with Asean ministers from Cambodia and Brunei on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible For Information (AMRI) and Related Meetings, here on Wednesday (May 7). Teo's meeting with Cambodia's Information Minister Neth Pheaktra, which lasted about 40 minutes, saw both countries exchanging experiences in curbing fake news, cyberbullying, misinformation and disinformation on social media as well as ethical use of Artificial Intelligence at the national level. Both leaders also spoke at length on the importance of regulating social media, including mechanisms such as licensing and codes of conduct, as well as forging deeper cooperation between both ministries, particularly in the exchange of news, media practices, and communication technologies. They jointly acknowledged that combating false information can be effectively addressed through content moderation and self-regulation, in collaboration with online platforms to update guidelines and standardise policies. The two leaders also voiced their concern about how social media is being used for scam activities and widespread misinformation, as it causes harmful effects on people. During the meeting, Teo noted that Malaysia is currently implementing social media licensing under a new regulatory framework, among others to ensure safer digital platforms by enhancing online safety, safeguard users and improve regulatory oversight of social media and internet messaging platforms. Meanwhile, Brunei's Minister at Prime Minister's Office Halbi Mohd Yussof voiced his support for enhanced regional cooperation in tackling digital challenges. He also expressed hope for stronger collaboration and joint initiatives between Brunei and Malaysia, reinforcing the region's collective efforts to build a safer and more responsible digital ecosystem. Both bilateral meetings were also attended by the Information Department Communications and Community Development Service Division director Muhammad Najmi Mustapha and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chief corporate and international officer Syahrilazli Mahammad. Also in the meeting were MCMC director II (Asean and Bilateral) Fatin Nabiha Ab Aziz, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) executive editor for International News Service Mohd Shukri Ishak, as well as other high-ranking officials from the Communications Ministry and its agencies. Cambodia and Brunei are among the Asean member countries participating in the 17th AMRI which concluded Wednesday. Teo is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with China's representative on Thursday (May 8). — Bernama
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
AMRI backs KL declaration on safe social media use
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The 17th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) and Related Meetings concluded with strong backing for the 'Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for ASEAN'. In a joint media statement issued at the end of the conference, ASEAN reaffirmed its collective commitment to cultivating a safe, inclusive, and responsible digital environment across the region. 'The meeting reaffirmed the importance of promoting a resilient and people-centred ASEAN Community by addressing the challenges posed by the misuse of social media, including the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and online exploitation,' the statement read. Ministers also highlighted the vital role of ASEAN's information sector in fostering collaborative engagement with key stakeholders, including social media platforms, to craft and implement practical measures to address harmful online content while safeguarding freedom of expression. The meeting also acknowledged the ongoing development of the 'Guidelines for Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for ASEAN', which aims to provide pragmatic strategies for enhancing online safety and promoting cyber wellness across member states. According to the joint statement, AMRI also endorses the 'Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration to Reaffirm the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information's Commitment to Strategic Progress in Media and Information'. The declaration underscores AMRI's ongoing commitment to strengthening cooperation and elevating the role of the information and media sector in the ASEAN Community beyond 2025. 'Furthermore, the meeting recalled AMRI's foundational objectives since its establishment in 1989, recognising the sector's vital contribution to ASEAN's development and its transversal role in supporting cross-cutting regional priorities,' it said. The declaration also sets a strategic direction for enhancing the sector's capacity in navigating digital era challenges, particularly in combating disinformation, managing the effects of digital transformation, the empowerment of youth as key drivers of innovation in media and communication as well as to promote the creative economy across the region. In addition, AMRI commended the substantive progress in the implementation of the ASEAN Strategic Plan for Information and Media (2016-2025), recognising it as a conerstone for regional collaboration, enhancing public awareness of ASEAN and promote regional identity and resilience. AMRI also acknowledged the ongoing development of the Work Plan for Information and Media (2026-2035), a successor roadmap designed to address the complexities of a rapidly evolving media landscape. 'The new Work Plan is expected to strengthen ASEAN's ability to respond to emerging trends, including rapid digital transformation, technological innovation, disinformation, and the growing demand for inclusive and accessible media content, as ASEAN moves towards its Post-2025 Vision,' according to the joint statement. The ministers also recognised the steady implementation of the ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACMP) II (2018-2025), which has played a vital role in raising regional awareness and fostering a stronger sense of ASEAN identity among its people. Building on these gains, AMRI noted the ongoing efforts to develop ACMP III (2026-2030), which aimed at building on current achievements and guiding strategic communication for future ASEAN community-building initiatives. In tackling the pervasive challenge of misinformation, AMRI also acknowledged the work of the ASEAN Task Force on Fake News (TFFN) and underscored the need for stronger content moderation, enhanced self-regulation and closer collaboration with digital platforms to refine guidelines and harmonise policies across the region.
