Latest news with #AyerHitam
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Full support for Onn Hafiz from Ayer Hitam division
Close ranks: Dr Wee and Ling taking a group photo with party members after the Ayer Hitam MCA division annual general meeting at a restaurant in Yong Peng, Johor. YONG PENG: Ayer Hitam MCA has unanimously expressed its full support for Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to continue leading the state. The division also passed another resolution for MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong to lead the party and be nominated again as a candidate in the next general election. Dr Wee is the incumbent Ayer Hitam MP. The delegates also want MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon, the Yong Peng state assemblyman, to defend the seat. They said Onn Hafiz has been an effective Mentri Besar, citing his strong leadership and vision for the 'Maju Johor 2030' agenda. The agenda has six key thrusts – good governance, sustainable economic development, an enhanced social safety net, improved facilities and basic amenities, security, cleanliness and the environment, and special focus on youths – to ensure its vision of becoming a developed state by 2030. During the division annual general meeting yesterday, some 200 delegates voted strongly in favour of Onn Hafiz to lead the Johor Barisan Nasional machinery in the upcoming state polls. A total of six resolutions were passed during the meeting, which was also attended by Dr Wee and Ling. Besides expressing support for all three leaders, the division urged the Education Ministry to review the new matriculation entry requirement, where those who scored A- in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia are not considered to have attained an A. The delegates also want an explanation on why lesser allocations were given to Chinese schools in last year's budget. On a localised issue, they were against the implementation of a paid parking system in Yong Peng, which they felt could lead to other issues such as illegal parking. The move could affect the livelihood of residents and businesses in the area, they added.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt must clearly state if small traders can use subsidised LPG, says Dr Wee
YONG PENG: The government should clearly state if hawkers and small traders are allowed to use subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. "If the government intends to allow them (hawkers and small traders) to use the (subsidised LPG), then it should be put in black and white," the MCA president said after officiating the Ayer Hitam MCA annual general meeting here on Sunday (June 1). Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said there was no enforcement done on the ruling that requires a permit for the use of more than three 14kg cylinders at one time, although it was introduced during his time in Cabinet. "It is this government that is enforcing the rule and going after hawkers," he said. He said there has been widespread panic among hawkers nationwide following a Petronas directive dated April 30, which instructed gas distributors to stop selling subsidised LPG (12kg and 14kg cylinders) to all commercial premises, including food stalls. "This directive has caused confusion, anxiety and panic among small traders and hawkers. "Aside from social media, many hawkers have also approached me to voice their grouses," he said. He said many hawkers have more than three gas cylinders on standby as it would take time and extra costs to order more if they run out. As of May 1, eateries including hawkers are required to use 14kg commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70 each. The ministry also launched Ops Gasak to combat any misuse of subsidised LPG. On May 23, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said LPG subsidies have cost the government RM3.4bil and said premises using more than 42kg LPG (which amounts to three 14kg cylinders) must apply for a permit under the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Get ready to pay more at eateries
PETALING JAYA: Consumers will ultimately have to bear the cost as all eateries, including hawker stalls, are now required to use the 14kg commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic). The MCA president said the use of the commercial cylinder is costlier by 170% compared with the household subsidised gas cylinder sold at just RM26. He said the cost of preparing food will be directly affected with the increase in the price of gas. 'What does the 170% increase have to do with the cost of living? 'If you want to eat rice or noodles, you have to cook it first. To cook, you need fire. For fire, you need gas. If the price of gas goes up, then the price of food will also go up. 'Who has to bear this price increase? The answer, of course, is consumers,' said the Ayer Hitam MP in a video posted on social media yesterday. He added that traders also need a permit if they use more than three 14kg LPG cylinders a month, and failing which, are subject to action under Op Gasak by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. According to Dr Wee, there was no need to be too strict on small-time food vendors who barely earn enough to make ends meet. He questioned why the government is unable to provide subsidies to small traders despite being the world's fifth largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. 'What is the point of billions of investments if we cannot cover gas subsidies, said to be RM3.4bil in 2024? 'What is the point of increasing the Sales and Service Tax (SST) rate from 6% to 8% if the revenue collected is not returned to the people through subsidies?' he added. As of May 1, eateries, including hawker stalls, will be required to use the 14kg purple-coloured commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70. The ministry also launched Op Gasak to combat any misuse of subsidised LPG and has so far made seizures amounting to RM883,000. On May 23, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the LPG subsidy cost the government RM3.4bil. He said that premises using more than three commercial gas cylinders must apply for a permit under the regulations of the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021. The government had planned the switch to commercial gas in 2019 but postponed its enforcement.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
SST expansion must be postponed, urges Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: Amid current global economic uncertainty, the government is urged to postpone the increase and expansion of the sales and service tax (SST). Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) made this call during the special Parliament session on Monday (May 5). "This cannot be carried out because come July 9, the 90-day pause on all US reciprocal tariffs ends, then the SST scope is expanded, the increase in electricity tariff, and not to mention the petrol subsidy rationalisation. "Just imagine two or three of these things will eventually ruin the micro, small, medium and enterprises (MSMEs). "So, I am urging the government to think about July 9 issued by US president Donald Trump when we go forth with all other implementation on July 1. "All of this eventually will bring impact to the people," he said in a TikTok video posted on his official account. On April 9, Trump announced a three-month pause on all the "reciprocal" tariffs with the exception of China. Meanwhile, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the government will announce the mechanism for rationalising the RON95 fuel subsidy using MyKad in the second half of the year. According to the Finance Ministry, the expansion of the SST was supposed to be implemented from May 1 but this was postponed to a later date. It was also reported that Customs Department director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said the gazettement of the new tax changes is expected by June 1.
The Star
02-05-2025
- The Star
Dr Wee warns of scammers using his name on social media
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said there have been recent cases of scammers using his name and image to promote so-called "investment schemes" on social media and messaging platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. The Ayer Hitam MP urged the public to be vigilant and not trust any investment offers that use his name or photo. "Do not click on suspicious links or share personal information to avoid falling victim to scams," Dr Wee, who is also MCA president, said in a Facebook post Friday (May 2). "If you come across any suspicious messages or posts, please report them to the relevant authorities or contact the police immediately," he added.
