Latest news with #FederationofMalaysianConsumersAssociations
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Many seeking a headstart
Keep things running: A motorist filling his car tank with subsidised RON95 fuel in this file pic. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star RON95 subsidy eligibility checks could go a long way, say motorists PETALING JAYA: With the RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation expected mid-year, Malaysians say there should be an avenue to check their eligibility beforehand. Writer John Seng, 34, said having a platform to check will help consumers plan their expenses better. 'If we are not eligible for the subsidy, it would be good if we could find out earlier so that we can do the necessary budgeting of our finances. 'This will help us adjust our family's overall monthly expenditures,' said the father of two. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan told the Dewan Rakyat in November last year that the RON95 subsidy rationalisation, which is expected to be implemented in the middle of this year, would not impact 85% of Malaysians. He also said the MyKad will likely be adopted as the main reference point in allocating these targeted subsidies. On Tuesday, Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the government will take into account the economic situation in its decision on the RON95 targeted subsidy. A self-employed individual, who wanted to be known as Raj, suggested having a website to check a person's eligibility for the subsidy. 'If the public know of their eligibility earlier, they can prepare accordingly.' 'Perhaps a similar system can be introduced, such as the one used under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah aid, where recipients can check their eligibility using their identification card number,' said Raj, 66. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah suggested that the government establish a system allowing the public to verify their eligibility for the petrol subsidy prior to its implementation date. 'Transparency is essential, especially for those in the M40 segment, to financially plan and adjust their spending in anticipation of possible changes in fuel expenditures,' he said. Although the government has given an assurance that 85% of the population would not be affected, he said the government should closely monitor the Consumer Price Index (CPI). 'They must swiftly intervene if there are signs of unjustified inflation or profiteering,' he said. Saravanan said any subsidy rationalisation must be accompanied by clear communication, transparency in eligibility criteria, and easy access to verification tools. Gabungan E-hailing Malaysian (GEM) chief activist Jose Rizal urged e-hailing service providers to plan ahead of the RON95 subsidy rationalisation. 'These platforms should review the fare structure for e-hailing drivers to match current operational expenses, such as introducing dynamic pricing rates and taking into account fuel prices and unexpected factors,' he said when contacted. He said the platforms should introduce petrol rebate initiatives or special incentives for e-hailing drivers. 'GEM calls for e-hailing drivers to be included as part of the targeted subsidies scheme or at least for a special scheme for gig workers. 'We also urge platform providers and the government to engage with e-hailing drivers to draft a more equal, sustainable and responsive policy in line with the economic situation,' he said, adding that GEM has yet to be engaged in this matter. He proposed that e-hailing service providers accelerate the transition to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles by implementing facility schemes for drivers.
New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Consumer groups hail drug price display law as major win
GEORGE TOWN: Consumer groups have welcomed the enforcement of a new law requiring the display of medicine prices, describing it as a major step towards transparency and accountability in Malaysia's healthcare sector. The regulation, which came into effect yesterday after more than five years of public consultation and negotiations, aims to prevent consumers from being overcharged. Advocacy leaders, including representatives from the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) and the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), lauded the long-awaited initiative as crucial for protecting patients from excessive pricing and ensuring fairer access to essential medicines. The new regulation, the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drug) Order 2025, requires all private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies to clearly display the prices of all human medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, traditional, and health supplements. Consumer protection groups said the new law was a crucial step towards addressing longstanding issues of price variation that had disadvantaged consumers. "This new law is a price display mechanism, and must not be confused with price control. It is the fundamental right of a consumer to be informed, to be heard, to choose, and to be safe in relation to the goods they consume," they said. By mandating price display, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has taken a step towards upholding consumers' universal rights to information and choice. "This enables Malaysians to compare medicine prices, plan their healthcare spending, and avoid being overcharged," they said in a joint statement. With Malaysia's medical inflation rate reaching 15 per cent — well above regional and global averages—consumer protection groups said transparent pricing was a necessary first step in curbing unjustified price hikes and protecting household budgets.
The Star
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Egg subsidy: Consumer groups urge strict monitoring by authorities
KUALA LUMPUR: Consumer groups have urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to ensure that no profiteering activities occur, following the government's decision to end the egg subsidy, by adopting a more proactive approach in monitoring retail egg prices nationwide. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer Dr T Saravanan said this includes strict monitoring of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), taking firm action against opportunistic price hikes, while ensuring that pricing mechanisms remain transparent and fair. "Fomca supports this policy direction, as a step towards a more sustainable and targeted subsidy system. "However, it must be accompanied by robust protections for the vulnerable groups, stable supply chains, and continuous market monitoring, to ensure that this move does not inadvertently burden consumers,' he said, when contacted by Bernama on Wednesday (April 30). The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry previously announced that the government will reduce the egg subsidy from RM0.10 to RM0.05 per egg effective Thursday (May 1), before fully withdrawing the subsidy on Aug 1. ALSO READ: Govt to end egg subsidy on Aug 1 The ministry also announced that price controls on eggs would be lifted, citing the industry's commitment to ensuring sufficient and stable egg production, following the stabilisation of production costs. To prevent panic buying or artificial shortages, which could drive up prices, Saravanan said that the government must ensure a consistent and sufficient supply of eggs in the market by working closely with producers, distributors, and retailers. He also stressed the importance of implementing proper safety nets, particularly for the B40 and vulnerable groups, who are likely to be more affected by price adjustments. Sharing a similar sentiment, Consumers' Association Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader emphasised that continuous monitoring of egg prices in the market is crucial to ensure that traders do not raise prices beyond the actual impact of the subsidy removal. "Without strict controls, consumers, especially those in the low-income group, will be the primary victims in the supply chain. The ministry must also be ready to take firm action against price manipulation and provide an efficient, responsive channel for consumer complaints,' he said. However, Mohideen suggested that egg price controls be temporarily maintained during the transition period after the subsidy ends to protect consumers from potential unreasonable price hikes. Meanwhile, small trader Nor Hayati Abd Karim, 43, hopes that the price of chicken eggs in the market will not increase suddenly, as they are one of the key ingredients she uses in making kuih-muih (savoury treats or snacks). Nor Hayati, who sells a variety of cookies and savoury treats for festive events, also hopes that the supply of chicken eggs in the market remains stable. Consumer Hendri Yanti Zainal Arifin, 41, also urged the government to closely monitor egg prices in the market to prevent sudden increases, which could burden consumers. "The government also needs to be proactive in increasing the supply of chicken eggs from local producers, as well as controlling the price of chicken feed, to manage production costs,' she said. Nurefnita Abdul Razak, 38, said that, as a consumer, she is trying to understand the government's decision to end the chicken egg subsidy, but hoped that the authorities, especially the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, would continue to monitor traders and suppliers. – Bernama
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Fomca backs egg subsidy removal, calls for consumer protection measures
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has urged retailers to act responsibly and avoid imposing unjustified price hikes ahead of the government's decision to remove the egg subsidy starting Aug 1. Its secretary-general, Dr Saravanan Thambirajah, said the gradual withdrawal of subsidies should not be treated as a licence for opportunistic pricing, particularly when many households are still grappling with the rising cost of living. "Retailers, whether large supermarket chains or small businesses, must exercise ethical pricing practices and ensure any adjustments are based on actual changes in production or supply costs. "The gradual removal of subsidies should not be seen as a green light to impose unfair price hikes on consumers," he told the New Straits Times. Saravanan also called on industry groups and major retailers to lead by example by maintaining price stability and protecting consumer interests throughout the transition period. "Price transparency and fairness will go a long way in building public trust and supporting national economic resilience." Earlier, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry announced that the current subsidy of 10 sen per egg would be halved to 5 sen starting today, and fully discontinued from Aug 1. The ministry said the decision was made following the stabilisation of production costs and improved supply conditions, including during the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season. Saravanan said Fomca welcomed the government's efforts to ensure long-term sustainability in the egg supply industry but emphasised that enforcement agencies must remain vigilant against profiteering. "We understand the need to optimise national spending and redirect limited fiscal resources to where they are most needed. "However, this must be accompanied by robust protections for the vulnerable, stable supply chains, and ongoing market monitoring to ensure the move does not inadvertently burden consumers." He said maintaining a consistent and sufficient supply of eggs in the market was also key to ensuring price stability. "The government must work closely with producers, distributors and retailers to prevent supply disruptions, which can lead to panic buying or artificial scarcity that drives up prices." Saravanan said the government should also consider increasing the quantum of assistance if prices of essential items show significant upward trends. "At the same time, we stress the importance of implementing proper safety nets, particularly for the B40 and other vulnerable groups who may feel the impact of price adjustments more acutely. "We also call on the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to continue strict monitoring of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), especially for food staples. "Take firm action against any opportunistic price hikes that are not justified by cost increases, and ensure that pricing mechanisms remain transparent and fair." Keywords: News Food Malaysia Egg Eggs Nst Consumers Producers Cpi Subsidies Subsidy Fomca Pricing Retailers Federation Of Malaysian Consumers Associations Price Hikes Domestic Trade And Cost Of Living Ministry Agriculture And Food Security Ministry Saravanan Thambirajah Related Articles Nation 6 hours ago [UPDATED] Egg subsidy to end on Aug 1 [WATCH] Nation Mar 21, 2025 @ 6:49am Fomca backs cooking oil price stabilisation scheme pilot to curb subsidy abuse Nation Mar 20, 2025 @ 11:00pm Fomca: Traders will find ways to justify price hikes despite price controls [WATCH] Property Nov 18, 2024 @ 2:26am Fomca warns public on surge in fake house rental agent scams
Malaysiakini
22-04-2025
- Health
- Malaysiakini
Doctoring is not a trade
LETTER | For generations, our one-stop general practitioner (GP) clinics have been the cornerstone of healthcare for all Malaysians. GPs have performed a multitude of duties from treating everyday illnesses to supporting families through difficult times and serving on the frontline of major public health crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Our nationwide community-based medication-assisted therapy programme by GPs for heroin addicts started in 2002. By 2006, it had contributed to the national effort to successfully stop the rising epidemic of HIV deaths among IV drug users. And by 2016, this programme had taken more than 30,000 heroin addicts off the streets and reconnected them with their families and community. Thus, the role of GPs in the health of all Malaysians should be duly appreciated and recognised. In fact, Malaysia's GP system is widely recognised as one of the most affordable, efficient, and patient-centred in the region. However, this vital healthcare pillar now faces increasing pressure from unnecessary and disruptive regulatory proposals. These efforts, often driven by large corporate interests, risk compromising both the safety of patient care and the integrity of our medicine supply chain. A recent reference to a 2022 survey cited by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), which reported 'medicine price mark-ups of up to 900 percent and price variations exceeding 400 percent for the same drugs at different private clinics' is mischievous. The study warrants critical scrutiny. Blanket interpretations of such data, without context, can be misleading and serve only to create a toxic environment and to generate mistrust of the very system that delivers reliable, affordable care to successive generations of Malaysians, including many of our present leaders and cabinet members. Doctors do not condone any unethical practices by unprofessional colleagues, but when we want to throw away the dirty bathwater, we should be careful not to throw away the bathtub and the baby as well. It must also be emphasised that GPs already operate under robust regulatory oversight. The Good Dispensing Practice Guidelines of the Malaysian Medical Council govern the ethical and evidence-based choice and dispensing of medicines within clinics. Patients' rights and choice are also clearly stated. Among others, these guidelines state that, 'in all registered medical clinics with dispensing facilities, it is recommended that a notice be displayed in a prominent area of the registration counter to inform patients that the clinic has a pharmaceutical service and that patients have the choice to have their medication/drugs dispensed at the clinic or at any pharmacy. Patients who do not wish to have their medication/drugs dispensed in the clinic should request to indicate so at their time of registration, and will be provided with a written or printed prescription.' This is a testament to the medical profession's self-regulation and ongoing commitment to transparency, patients' rights, choice, patient safety and ethical care. It is important to reaffirm that GP clinics are not retail outlets. Treating the sick is not a commercial transaction. Doctors and their practice of medicine are a strictly licensed profession, governed by a social contract of trust, statutorily mandated ethical responsibility, duty and continuity of care between the doctor and the patient. It is not a trade. If the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry intends to bring doctors' professional services under the scope of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, then proper procedure must be followed. This includes the gazettement of the medical profession as a trade - a move which would have far-reaching future implications, including the formation of trade unions and trade protective practices. Thereafter, the one-to-one personalised patient-doctor encounter of today will be a thing of the past. Union rules and business-oriented standard operating procedures will prevail, much to the detriment of today's tailored patient-centred clinical care. The public and the ministry can rest assured that our doctors remain steadfast in their commitment to treat the sick and to do so in the most cost-effective, caring, and responsible way. Additional layers of regulation will only drive up healthcare costs and run counter to national efforts aimed at controlling the cost of living. This letter is signed by: Dr Steven KW Chow, founding chairperson of DRSFORALL/FPMPAM Robert Phang Miow Sin JP, founder and chairperson of Social Care Foundation, exco of Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, chairperson of MSHR Professor Dr Mohamad Hussain Habil, fellow of Malaysian Psychiatry Association Dr Khafidz Ishak, president of Persatuan Insaf Murni Malaysia Associate professor Tan Wooi Chiang, president of Dermatological Society of Malaysia Addiction Medicine Association of Malaysia Association of Specialists in Private Medical Practice Medical Practitioners' Coalition Association Malaysia Penang Medical Practitioners' Society Perak Medical Practitioners' Society Private Medical Practitioners' Society Kedah/Perlis Private Medical Practitioners' Society Selangor/Kuala Lumpur Pahang Private Medical Practitioners' Society Association of Private Practitioners Sabah The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
