Latest news with #DomesticTradeandCostofLivingMinistry
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Gassy business: Five caught decanting LPG, RM280,000 worth of gas, equipment seized
JOHOR BARU: A clandestine cooking gas decanting operation was busted yesterday when officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry raided a storage facility in Ulu Tiram here. Five men, aged between 30 and 40, believed to be members of a syndicate, were detained during the joint operation led by enforcement officers from the ministry's Putrajaya and Johor branches following weeks of surveillance. The enforcement team found 1,357 gas cylinders and a lorry tanker suspected of containing subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) valued at nearly RM280,000. Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the syndicate members had illegally transferred subsidised LPG from 14kg cylinders into the tanker, a practice known as decanting. "The illicit activity violates the law, besides endangering lives and disrupting the subsidised fuel distribution system meant to benefit the public," she said in a statement today. The seized items included decanting equipment and the lorry tanker. The case was investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, and first-time offenders faced fines of up to RM1 million or three years' jail upon conviction. Repeat offenders might face up to RM3 million in fines or five years' jail. Companies could be fined up to RM2 million and RM5 million for subsequent offences. Lisa said the ministry was also probing into the distribution chain of the seized LPG, including the origins of the supply to identify parties involved in the illegal trade. Members of the public with information on LPG misappropriation are urged to report through the ministry's official channels, which included WhatsApp (019-8488000), e-Aduan portal (e-aduan@ hotline (1-800-886-800) or the Ez ADU smartphone application.
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Ministry busts factory siphoning subsidised gas for industrial use in Melaka
MELAKA: A factory in Malim Jaya, which had only recently begun operations, was raided by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for allegedly siphoning subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for industrial use. Acting on three weeks of intelligence, enforcement officers swooped in around 7pm yesterday under Op Gasak 2025, seizing equipment and gas cylinders worth an estimated RM40,000. Melaka Domestic Trade director Dr Mohd Hazimin Jamaludin said three Myanmar nationals, aged between 23 and 24, were caught red-handed during the raid. "They were seen transferring subsidised 14kg LPG into 50kg industrial cylinders using modified hoses without authorisation," he said at a press conference today. He added that the gas siphoning operation lacked basic safety measures and was carried out covertly at night. "The factory appeared abandoned and had no signs of being a registered business. "Everything was sealed off from the outside. Had anything gone wrong, it could have triggered a massive explosion due to the number of gas cylinders inside. "They used a dangerous homemade method — heating the 14kg cylinders with kettles filled with hot water and cooling the 50kg ones to speed up the siphoning," he said. Officers seized 104 units of 14kg LPG cylinders, 41 units of 50kg cylinders (including one unbranded tank), and 20 rubber hoses. Zinc sheets used to conceal the activities were also found. The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961, which carries a fine of up to RM1 million, three years' jail, or both for individuals, and up to RM2 million in fines for companies.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ministry aims to expand access for Sara recipients
RANAU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will collaborate with the Finance Ministry to expand access to essential items for recipients of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the ministry had proposed that recipients be allowed to use their Sara aid at mobile Jualan Rahmah Madani Programme (PJRM) locations, in addition to existing participating retailers. He said at present, Sara aid recipients could only purchase basic items at 4,152 participating supermarkets and retail outlets nationwide, including 470 in Sabah. "This will enable Sara recipients to use the aid credited to their MyKad to make purchases at mobile PJRM locations," he said after launching the Sabah Zone Carnival 2025 here on Saturday. Armizan said the additional RM300 million PJRM allocation would enable the ministry to increase its frequency, with a target of 20,000 this year. "For Sabah, the ministry is targeting 2,276 PJRM series this year, with 1,089 already implemented as of today (Saturday). "We will adopt several approaches to ensure the target is achieved by year end." He said this included increasing the range of items offered and enhancing cooperation with strategic retail partners. "Through these improvements, the people will have more choices. The ministry can no longer act alone as it did in the past." He said this was the second year the ministry had implemented the Zone Carnival programme, adding that six carnivals would be held nationwide this year. "For the carnival in Ranau, held in conjunction with the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign, we expect around 60,000 visitors during the three-day event." Armizan said the main goal of the initiative was to bring government services, particularly those under the ministry, closer to the people.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
KPDN to enhance royalty management for musicians and artistes
KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is taking steps to strengthen the royalty management framework for musicians and artistes in Malaysia. The initiative aims to safeguard their earnings from artistic works through improved governance and transparency. Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, the minister overseeing KPDN, highlighted the introduction of Guidelines for Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) under Section 27M of the Copyright Act 1987. These guidelines, enforced by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), focus on advocacy, compliance, and fair royalty distribution. 'My goal is to ensure the rights of all parties, especially artistes and musicians, are protected and upheld,' Armizan said in a Facebook post. 'Too many end up struggling later in life, and the government must not be seen as neglecting its responsibility to establish a clear and comprehensive legal framework.' MyIPO holds the authority to issue operational guidelines to registered CMOs, which manage royalty rights on behalf of copyright holders. However, Armizan noted that a small group has filed for judicial review, naming KPDN, MyIPO, and the minister as respondents. Despite legal challenges, Armizan remains committed to ensuring musicians and artistes receive long-term income from their works. 'As the current minister, I bear the responsibility to ensure they continue earning income not only throughout their careers but also for as long as others use their work,' he said. – Bernama
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt to strengthen royalty management framework for musicians, artistes
KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry aims to enhance the royalty management ecosystem in Malaysia to ensure that musicians and artistes continue to benefit from the fruits of their artistic works. Its minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said one of the ministry's efforts through the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) is to introduce Guidelines for Collective Management Organisations (CMO) under Section 27M of the Copyright Act 1987. He said this step includes advocacy and compliance initiatives for all stakeholders, along with improved governance transparency in royalty collection and disbursement. "My goal is to ensure the rights of all parties, especially artistes and musicians, are protected and upheld. "Too many end up struggling later in life and the government must not be seen as neglecting its responsibility to establish a clear and comprehensive legal framework," he said in a Facebook post on Sunday (July 27). He said MyIPO has the authority to issue guidelines regarding declarations and operations to any party registered as a CMO, mandated by copyright holders to manage royalty rights. "However, a small group remains dissatisfied and has filed for judicial review, naming the ministry, MyIPO and the minister as respondents," he said. Armizan zaid that as the current minister, he bears the responsibility to ensure musicians and artistes continue earning income not only throughout their careers but also for as long as others use their work. – Bernama
