Latest news with #BarjoyaiBardai
Sinar Daily
24-05-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Global economic headwinds could halt RON95 subsidy plan
Padu challenges could force reliance on LHDN, EPF for RON95 subsidy. Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST) economics expert Professor Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai stated that implementing targeted subsidies in the near term would be impossible. SHAH ALAM – The government's proposed RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation, initially slated for mid-year, may be delayed until the trade negotiations between the United States and China are fully resolved. Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST) economics expert Professor Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai stated that implementing targeted subsidies in the near term would be impossible. "I foresee the possibility of the government postponing the implementation of RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation if the global economic situation becomes suddenly serious after the next 90 days. 'If the US proceeds with its previously announced plans regarding new tariff rates and if the whole world is hit by an economic downturn, we'll see price hikes, a crash in our stock market, the ringgit depreciating. "If that happens, the government will be forced to delay the plan. "However, I believe the plan will still be pursued, especially following the positive outcomes seen after the diesel subsidy rationalisation," he told Sinar. It was reported on Monday that the Cabinet has handed the decision regarding the RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation proposal entirely to the Finance Ministry (MoF). Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli confirmed his ministry had discussed the matter with the Cabinet four times and is now awaiting updates from the ministry led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. When asked if the Central Database Hub (Padu) application system would still be part of the rationalisation plan given the change in the managing ministry, Barjoyai suggested it might not utilise data from the new system. He based this view on the low number of Malaysians currently registered in Padu, which makes comprehensive data collection challenging. 'I don't think Padu can be used yet, because only around eight million people have filled in their information. There are still about 20 million who haven't. If the government proceeds with this targeted subsidy plan, they may have to rely on third-party data sources like the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF),' he said. On the appropriate timing for implementing the subsidy targeting, Barjoyai believes it can still be done this year, given the positive developments observed after the diesel initiative. 'There's no denying that many were sceptical when the diesel subsidy rationalisation was implemented, but now a lot of people are praising the government's move. The economy is really a study of perception. If we can manage perception well, God willing, it will have a positive impact too,' he added.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
App to facilitate smarter healthcare product purchases
PETALING JAYA : A mobile application which allows users to compare the prices of medications at private clinics and hospitals could be the ideal solution to help consumers make informed healthcare decisions, says economist Prof Emeritus Barjoyai Bardai. He said such a platform would ensure consumers are aware of the prices of medicines in the market before making a purchase. 'At the moment, medicine prices at over-the-counter pharmacies vary significantly. In the Klang Valley alone, there are many pharmacies, and since prices were previously unregulated, some were selling medicines at double the price compared with competitors. 'This should not continue, as consumers who fail to diligently compare prices may incur unnecessary financial losses,' he told theSun. Barjoyai said the government should consider developing the app in line with the enforcement of the mandatory price display under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723), which came into effect on May 1. 'Just like pharmacies, private healthcare facilities also charge varying prices for medication. Unless someone visits several clinics or hospitals, it's hard to know which one offers more affordable services. 'But if there were an app that allowed users to compare treatment and medication costs at nearby facilities, it would empower consumers to make smarter choices. It might also encourage clinics to standardise pricing to remain competitive.' During a TikTok Live session by a senior Health Ministry officer who discussed the mandatory display of medicine prices in private clinics and pharmacies last Wednesday, it was revealed that a mobile app is in development to help users compare medicine prices across private clinics and pharmacies. Barjoyai, however, was puzzled over the opposition from some healthcare groups to the implementation in the private sector. 'Displaying prices has long been mandatory across retail sectors, from hypermarkets to market traders. Pharmacies are also required to comply. So it's unclear why certain groups in the private healthcare sector are objecting to this move,' he said. The mandate to display drug prices at general practice clinics has sparked concerns that it could trigger medical inflation. Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) president Dr Shanmuganathan TV Ganeson said the enforcement would impact livelihoods and restrict patient access to affordable care. He said GPs nationwide have long practised a 'bundled fee' model, in which charges for administrative tasks, consultations, nursing, medication and minor procedures are combined into one affordable sum for the entire visit. With the new move, Shanmuganathan said GPs may no longer be able to pool the services under a single bill, and a typical clinic visit could now cost patients over RM100. 'The bundled model mirrors the Diagnostic Related Groups (DRG) pricing system, which helps contain costs and offers predictability for patients. 'For instance, treating a common condition like dengue fever might typically include: RM35 for consultation, RM20 for medicine and RM40 for blood tests, totalling RM95, with no separate charges for registration, nursing, disposables, utilities or compliance documentation. 'However, under the new itemised or 'unbundled' billing requirement, patients could now see charges such as RM5 for registration, RM10 for medicine, RM5 for disposables, RM5 for waste disposal and RM5 each for nursing and infectious disease notifications. This would raise the total bill to around RM110,' he explained in a WhatsApp reply to theSun. Shanmuganathan warned that the shift would not only drive up costs but also increase the administrative load for GPs, who have traditionally absorbed or waived minor fees to keep care affordable. On Sunday, the Health Ministry clarified that there is no policy change or new directive requiring private medical clinics to provide itemised billing by default. It said itemised bills are only mandatory upon a patient's request and must be issued at no extra charge to help patients understand the breakdown of service, treatment and medication costs. 'The right of patients to request an itemised bill is stipulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Private Hospitals and Other Private Healthcare Facilities) Regulations 2006,' the ministry said in a statement. It emphasised that continued collaboration among stakeholders will enhance healthcare quality and safeguard patient rights, in line with Madani values, particularly 'well-being', which promotes equal rights for both patients and private providers.
![BTH: Future-proofing cities: What's next for Malaysia? [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
BTH: Future-proofing cities: What's next for Malaysia? [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this episode, Beyond the Headlines dives into how Selangor is setting the benchmark for Malaysia's future-ready cities — balancing economic expansion with climate resilience, urban mobility, and digital innovation. With Selangor contributing 25.9 per cent to Malaysia's GDP in 2023, the state is now looking beyond numbers to reshape urban life for long-term sustainability. Chartered architect and urban strategist Lim Take Bane explores how design and walkability are essential to livable cities. He championed transit-oriented development (TOD) as a way to reduce car dependency, highlighting the importance of well-integrated communities with covered walkways, green zones, and multifunctional spaces. Economist and Selangorian Professor Dr Barjoyai Bardai complements this by emphasizing data-driven governance and intelligent infrastructure. He highlighted that Selangor's push into the digital economy — especially in semiconductors, chip design, and tech parks like Cyberjaya — must be supported by real-time analytics and inclusive policy frameworks. Both experts also stressed on the public-private partnerships and adaptive reuse of heritage structures are key strategies to strengthen local identity. Projects like the upcoming Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA) were spotlighted for its push to incorporate "sponge city" principles to tackle urban flooding while fostering public space. The episode underscored that modern cities must retain their soul, rooted in culture, community, and sustainability, while preparing for climate risks and economic shifts. Follow the discussion in the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines. Watch on NST Online's YouTube channel.
