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Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
Rising animal abuse spurs call for education, enforcement, says MTPN
File photo of stray cats roaming the streets. – AFP photo SIBU (Aug 14): The National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) has called for a holistic approach to strengthen animal protection efforts towards shaping a more moral and responsible society. Its Sibu branch chairman Lucas Lau said such cooperation should involve families, schools, communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and enforcement agencies. 'The public is also encouraged to take an active role in reporting and documenting cases of animal abuse as an initial step to ensure justice and animal welfare in the country,' he said in a statement yesterday. According to Lau, cases of animal abuse in Malaysia have shown a significant rise among school students and teenagers. Data from the Department of Veterinary Services recorded 7,613 cases from 2021 to mid-2024, including 5,226 cases involving dogs and 1,900 involving cats, in both urban or rural areas. 'This phenomenon reflects the failure of the education system and social environment in instilling empathy and civic responsibility among the younger generation,' he stressed, adding that animal abuse is a sign of moral and social decline in society. He said Malaysia has in place laws such as the Animals Act 1953 and the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which provide for heavy penalties including fines of up to RM100,000 and imprisonment for up to three years. The Penal Code is also applicable to crimes against animals. 'However, enforcement remains a major challenge, as the implementation of these laws has not yet reached the desired level of effectiveness,' he stressed. He pointed out that studies have found that individuals involved in animal abuse often have a higher tendency to commit other violent acts, such as domestic violence and social crimes, making animal abuse an early indicator of the breakdown of moral values. Among the main contributing factors are lack of awareness on animal rights, negative social influences, and weak parental supervision. He emphasised the critical role of parents is critical in educating children about love and responsibility towards animals. He added schools should consider introducing animal welfare-based education modules and collaborate with NGOs to raise awareness among students. 'Recommended intervention measures include implementing education programmes and awareness campaigns at school level, collaboration with NGOs, and using interactive approaches to cultivate empathy and social responsibility among students. 'Strengthening enforcement through appropriate punishments and thorough investigations is also crucial to ensure justice for animals,' Lau concluded.
Borneo Post
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
MTPN Sibu urges consumers to know their rights after workshop misconduct case
The complainant, along with Lau (left) and complaints officer Darell Lim, show the police report lodged with MTPN Sibu. SIBU (June 21): The National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) branch here has called upon consumers to remain vigilant and exercise their rights following a recent case involving alleged misconduct by a workshop operator. According to MTPN Sibu chairman Lucas Lau, the issue was brought to their attention on June 16, and the complainant filed a police report the next day. Recounting the case chronologically, he said the consumer had sent a vehicle for repairs, repeatedly instructing the workshop not to begin any work until a written quotation was provided. 'However, the workshop reportedly proceeded with the repairs without securing the consumer's formal consent or providing a written quotation beforehand. 'A quotation was only issued afterwards, with costs deemed excessive by the consumer,' he said in a statement yesterday. When the consumer declined to proceed, the workshop insisted that the work had already started and demanded payment before returning the car's components. 'This has triggered dissatisfaction and concerns regarding consumer rights,' Lau added. On this, he emphasised that under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599), every consumer has the right to receive clear, accurate information before any service is rendered. Lau emphasised that carrying out repairs without obtaining prior approval from customers was invalid and could be regarded as an unfair, misleading practice. He also cited the Consumer Protection (Disclosure of Workshop Information) Regulations 2002, which makes it compulsory for workshops to issue written quotations before beginning any repair work. 'Consumers facing problems can lodge a formal complaint to MTPN or the Consumer Claims Tribunal (TTPM) to seek a fair resolution. 'Consumers must always insist on receiving a written quotation before any repair work starts, and keep all related documents and communications as evidence,' he stressed. Lau also reminded businesses to operate with integrity, transparency and accountability, cautioning that irresponsible actions and unjust treatment would not only negatively impact consumers, but would also undermine the trustworthiness of the entire automotive service sector. He reaffirmed MTPN's commitment to defending consumer rights and promoting ethical business practices across all service sectors, adding that compliance with consumer protection laws is key to building a fair and trustworthy marketplace. 'Awareness and compliance with laws such as the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and related regulations are key to effective consumer protection and a healthy business environment,' stressed Lau. consumers' right lead misconduct MTPN Sibu workshop
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ai-CHA sets record with 300 new outlets in one year
KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia-based ice cream and tea brand, Ai-CHA, created history when it received two recognitions from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for 'Most Ice Cream Shop Chains Opened in a Year' and 'Most Beverage Shop Chains Opened in a Year'. To date, 300 Ai-CHA branches have opened in Malaysia over the past 12 months, with an average of almost one new branch every day. Ai-CHA also received the 2025/2026 Consumer Choice Award from the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) presented by the council's deputy president, Prof Jericho Tang Kit Wai. Ai-CHA global deputy general manager Danny Tahardi said the recognition proves its commitment to excellence in the highly competitive food and beverage (F&B) industry. 'This success is a catalyst for us to continue to strive to maintain our position as a trusted brand in the local and international markets,' he said during the MBR and MTPN recognition ceremony today. Meanwhile, Ai-CHA Malaysia director Vincent Ong said the extraordinary success was the result of the strong support of the local people as well as the effectiveness of Ai-CHA's investor-friendly franchise model. 'Ai-CHA has successfully expanded to various locations from major cities to areas that are less covered by international brands. 'These recognitions have further reinforced Ai-CHA's commitment to quality and rapid growth driven by an investor-friendly franchise model, where the initial investment is less than RM100,000,' he said. Having reached 300 branches, Ai-CHA now plans to expand its operations to suburban and rural areas, particularly in East Malaysia where consumer demand is high but competition is low. Ai-CHA, which currently operates in nine countries, also plans to introduce snacks such as fried chicken and french fries at selected branches, to open up new space for the brand as a preferred destination for casual snacks.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ai-CHA gets two recognitions from Malaysia Book of Records
KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia-based ice cream and tea brand, Ai-CHA, created history when it received two recognitions from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for 'Most Ice Cream Shop Chains Opened in a Year' and 'Most Beverage Shop Chains Opened in a Year'. To date, 300 Ai-CHA branches have opened in Malaysia over the past 12 months, with an average of almost one new branch every day. Ai-CHA also received the 2025/2026 Consumer Choice Award from the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) presented by the council's deputy president, Prof Jericho Tang Kit Wai. Ai-CHA global deputy general manager Danny Tahardi said the recognition proves its commitment to excellence in the highly competitive food and beverage (F&B) industry. 'This success is a catalyst for us to continue to strive to maintain our position as a trusted brand in the local and international markets,' he said during the MBR and MTPN recognition ceremony today. Meanwhile, Ai-CHA Malaysia director Vincent Ong said the extraordinary success was the result of the strong support of the local people as well as the effectiveness of Ai-CHA's investor-friendly franchise model. 'Ai-CHA has successfully expanded to various locations from major cities to areas that are less covered by international brands. 'These recognitions have further reinforced Ai-CHA's commitment to quality and rapid growth driven by an investor-friendly franchise model, where the initial investment is less than RM100,000,' he said. Having reached 300 branches, Ai-CHA now plans to expand its operations to suburban and rural areas, particularly in East Malaysia where consumer demand is high but competition is low. Ai-CHA, which currently operates in nine countries, also plans to introduce snacks such as fried chicken and french fries at selected branches, to open up new space for the brand as a preferred destination for casual snacks.
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Mother demands action over alleged abuse at KK daycare centre
Kevin (left) and MTPN Sabah Complaints Bureau officer Michelle Liew Pei Yee (right) with the victim's mother (center) showing the CCTV screenshot of the daycare centre. KOTA KINABALU (June 12): A mother is demanding accountability from a daycare centre for alleged negligence that resulted in her one-year-old daughter suffering trauma and physical injuries. The 30-year-old mother claimed the incident occurred on January 10 this year, between 12.30pm and 5.30pm, while her daughter was under the centre's care. She discovered bruises and a scar on her daughter's back and arm while preparing to bathe her. 'There was a large scar and bruises on her back. I asked my daughter what happened and who did this to her, but she only cried and could not tell me anything,' she said during a press conference at the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sabah office today. She lodged a police report the next day at the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters and sought medical attention for her daughter at a hospital. Seeking clarification, the mother visited the daycare centre and asked to review the CCTV footage from the day of the incident. 'In the footage, I saw a caretaker grasp my daughter's left hand, lift her off the floor, and place her on a mattress. The same caretaker shoved a milk bottle into her mouth,' she recounted. Despite the footage, the daycare management denied any wrongdoing, placing blame solely on the individual caretaker and refusing to take further responsibility. The mother added that additional footage showed the caretaker hitting her daughter's hand with a mobile phone. However, the area where the most severe injuries occurred was not captured by the CCTV. 'To this day, the centre has not taken any action. They claim there is no clear evidence to justify any disciplinary measures,' she said. 'It seems everyone has given up on helping me. I'm left without answers or cooperation from any involved party.' MTPN Sabah president Kevin Lo Kian Min stated that the council has requested the daycare centre provide a full explanation within three days. Failure to comply will result in a direct meeting for further action. 'We've also requested that the centre present its operational permit and license, as there are claims it may be operating without valid documentation. Concerns were also raised about the centre accepting children outside the permitted age range and those with special needs, potentially violating Social Welfare Department regulations,' he said. Kevin urged authorities to inspect all daycare centres to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards, and emphasized the importance of trained staff and valid licensing. 'We must guarantee the safety of children and uphold consumer rights to increase public awareness and trust,' he added.
