Latest news with #Bumiputera
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Uitm prioritises Bumiputera firms in procurement
PUTRAJAYA: The Finance Ministry (MOF) has clarified today that Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) is fully authorised to prioritise Bumiputera companies in its procurement processes, in line with the government's procurement policy outlined in Treasury Circular PK1.5. The statement follows allegations by Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) on social media, which claim that UiTM is sidelining Bumiputera interests in its procurement practices. "The recent amendment to PK1.5, which takes effect in 2025, requires that the chief financial officer or financial controller of a company be of Bumiputera status. "This aims to strengthen Bumiputera professionalism further and applies to UiTM's procurement," the ministry said. It also clarified that the 2025 amendments related to Malaysia's commitments under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) do not apply to UiTM, as the university is a statutory body and thus falls outside the scope of the trade agreement. "As such, UiTM remains a government entity that can fully implement the Bumiputera Company Preference Policy in procurement. "This in no way undermines the Bumiputera empowerment agenda in procurement and project implementation," it said. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all government agencies continue to uphold the Bumiputera preference policy, which aims to strengthen the capacity of Bumiputera companies in a supportive economic environment. Putra in its social media post yesterday, had claimed that a policy change had allowed non-Bumiputera companies to participate in UiTM tenders. – Bernama
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
UiTM prioritises Bumiputera firms in procurement
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has clarified today that Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is fully authorised to prioritise Bumiputera companies in its procurement processes, in line with the government's procurement policy outlined in Treasury Circular PK1.5. The statement follows allegations by Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (PUTRA) on social media, which claim that UiTM is sidelining Bumiputera interests in its procurement practices. 'The recent amendment to PK1.5, which takes effect in 2025, requires that the chief financial officer or financial controller of a company be of Bumiputera status. This aims to strengthen Bumiputera professionalism further and applies to UiTM's procurement,' the ministry said. It also clarified that the 2025 amendments related to Malaysia's commitments under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) do not apply to UiTM, as the university is a statutory body and thus falls outside the scope of the trade agreement. 'As such, UiTM remains a government entity that can fully implement the Bumiputera Company Preference Policy in procurement. This in no way undermines the Bumiputera empowerment agenda in procurement and project implementation,' MOF added. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all government agencies continue to uphold the Bumiputera preference policy, which aims to strengthen the capacity of Bumiputera companies in a supportive economic environment.
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
How Zuhaymee's hunt for halal tofu sparked soybean biz
Mie Soya Enterprise owner Zuhaymee Mustapa and wife Nor Aza Jais with a selection of products made at their factory in Sikamat, Seremban. (Bernama pic) SEREMBAN : When he experienced difficulty obtaining halal soy-based products, one former soldier decided to start producing them himself 30 years ago. Zuhaymee Mustapa, 56, said his concerns over the hygiene and preparation of commercially sold products inspired him to come up with a trusted option for consumers, especially Muslims. 'Back then, it was quite hard to find soy products made by Muslims. I thought it would be great to start something that focused on quality, so the products would have a unique taste and texture, and most importantly be halal. 'For example, it used to be hard to get halal white tofu and puffed tofu made by Bumiputeras. That's what drove me to start my business and keep going. I want to make sure our products stay on the market,' said Zuhaymee, who retired from the armed forces in 2001. The owner of Mie Soya Enterprise said his three workers have also been taught to maintain cleanliness and start work by reciting verses from the Quran as a way of seeking blessings in the business. The father of three also assures consumers that every product from his company has been halal-certified by the Islamic development department. Check out this beautiful slab of tofu, sliced and ready for packaging and distribution. (Bernama pic) Recalling the early days, Zuhaymee said he started by selling soymilk and tau foo fa on a small scale in 1995, delivering them door to door on a tricycle and at night markets. Determined to expand his business, he set up a factory in Taman Jujur, Sikamat, in 2006 to process soy-based products including white tofu, fried tofu, tempeh (fermented soybeans), and puffed tofu. 'Before my factory, I used to make all the products at home. I received RM20,000 in assistance from the Seremban district agriculture department and a grant from the finance ministry, which helped me grow the business,' he said. The Kedah native admitted that breaking into the market was challenging, especially given that soy products are commonly linked to the Chinese community. But through hard work and a commitment to quality, he has won over many customers. 'Alhamdulillah, our products are now known not just in Negeri Sembilan but in almost every state except Sabah and Sarawak, because of the long distance and the risk of damage during shipping,' he explained. Soybeans being weighed before they are placed in a grinder at Zuhaymee's factory, which is open to visitors daily except on Sundays. (Bernama pic) According to Zuhaymee, they produce 6,000 pieces of tempeh, 2,000 pieces of white tofu, 8,000 pieces of puffed tofu and 2,000 pieces of fried tofu for retailers, including restaurants, daily. The soybeans are imported from Canada and the United States. Zuhaymee, who is assisted by his wife Nor Aza Jais, 50, recalled that they once lost thousands of ringgit when a power outage spoiled 60 litres of soymilk. 'We take it as a lesson that keeps us prepared for whatever might come, and we try to stay positive. I hope we can continue making halal products,' he said. He also invites visitors to his factory, which is open daily from 8.30am to 1pm except on Sundays. Mie Soya Enterprise 271, Jalan Jujur Kanan, Taman Jujur, Sikamat, 70400 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan For more information, visit Mie Soya Enterprise's website and Facebook profile.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Ban on vape sales ‘could be counterproductive, fuel black market'
KUALA LUMPUR: There will be long-term implications, including potential job losses, particularly affecting Bumiputera entrepreneurs and SMEs, if the Selangor government decide to impose a ban on the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes. Datametrics Research and Information Centre Sdn Bhd managing director Pankaj Kumar said that, alongside reduced state and federal tax revenues, an increase in illegal product sales that may pose public health risks, and continued regulatory uncertainty that could deter investment in both the industry and the broader retail sector. 'A state-wide ban would be short-sighted and counterproductive. It undermines national legislation (Act 852), penalises law-abiding businesses, and opens the floodgates to black market activity,' he told SunBiz. When asked about risks that such a ban might worsen illegal trade or increase the circulation of unregulated vape liquids, Pankaj said, 'Absolutely. We have seen this happen in other markets. 'Bans tend to create a vacuum that bad actors quickly fill. The unintended consequence of prohibition is the rise of unregulated trade, where products are not tested, labelled, or taxed. 'Malaysia already faces a tobacco black market valued at RM5 billion annually. A vape ban will only exacerbate this issue, making it more difficult for enforcement agencies to track and regulate consumption. 'Worse, illicit vape products are often laced with narcotics, posing significant health risks to consumers and especially youth.' Pankaj said a vape ban in Selangor, a state with one of the highest retail and commercial concentrations in the country, would significantly disrupt a legal industry that currently supports thousands of jobs and micro-enterprises. He said based on data, the vape industry in Malaysia contributes RM3.48 billion in economic value, employing over 31,500 individuals, many of whom are Bumiputera entrepreneurs who operate small businesses. 'A state-wide ban would not only collapse these businesses but also reduce retail tax contributions and sales-based state taxes. Instead of regulating and collecting revenue from legal players, Selangor risks pushing economic activity underground, where it is untaxed, unregulated, and unsafe,' he added. Asked what alternative policy approaches Selangor could consider instead of a full sales ban, Pankaj said several data-driven alternatives to a ban can be considered. These include strict enforcement against illegal substances in vape liquids, particularly narcotics and banned chemicals, along with the introduction of retail licensing systems to ensure only approved outlets sell compliant products. 'Implementing digital tracking and traceability can help verify that products are legally sourced and sold, while age-gated sales with ID verification at the point of purchase can prevent underage access. 'Complementing these measures with health education campaigns will help counter misinformation and discourage youth usage. Together, these steps can create a transparent and accountable industry that supports national health objectives without driving growth in the black market,' he said. Recently, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the decision to ban vape sales in the state would be made after the public health committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin presents a policy paper on the proposal to the state executive council. He said the state government will prioritise public health and future generations as it weighs the consequences of prohibiting vape products. Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas said the government should stay focused on enforcing Act 852 fairly and consistently. 'Legal businesses are prepared to comply with the rules. What undermines both public health and industry sustainability is the blanket ban on vaping at the state level. 'These bans do not stop demand, they just push consumers to the black market. Proper regulation and enforcement, rather than prohibition, are the most effective tools to protect public health while supporting legitimate businesses,' he said. Adzwan pointed out that during a recent Parliament session, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted a study conducted by Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital involving 152 students in Kelantan, where vape has been banned since 2016. The study found that among 152 students who vaped, 65% were vaping products mixed with magic mushrooms, which is considered more concerning than methamphetamine and syabu drugs. 'This is strong evidence that a ban does not work,' he said. Adzwan stated that for legal vape players committed to compliance, the current regulatory framework under Act 852 is workable. 'Many of our members, who include a significant number of Bumiputera entrepreneurs and SMEs, have already submitted the necessary paperwork and are in the process of aligning with the law. 'However, the real threat now is from state-wide bans. These bans disproportionately hurt legitimate businesses, especially smaller local entrepreneurs. The real issue is abuse of vape products, not the legal, regulated products being sold. The government should focus on cracking down on misuse and illegal substances, not punishing those who are playing by the rules,' Adzwan said.
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Penang FAMA Roadshow Helps Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Expand Market Reach
KOTA BHARU, May 30 (Bernama) -- The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is offering Bumiputera entrepreneurs opportunities to participate in the Jelajah FAMA Pulau Pinang programme as a means to increase their income. Penang FAMA director Mohd Hafiz Nurulhuda said the roadshow, which introduces signature products from the state, will enable entrepreneurs to promote popular local dishes, agro-food items, handicrafts, as well as Agro MADANI products. 'This initiative is part of the government's strategic effort to strengthen the entrepreneurial network and expand market access for Penang-based entrepreneurs to other states, particularly the East Coast,' he told reporters after the Jelajah FAMA Pulau Pinang @ Kelantan event at the Rural Transformation Centre in Tunjong, here today.
