Latest news with #MahHangSoon
The Star
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Dr Mah advocates for regulatory body to oversee private hospital fees
Support for regulating private hospital charges on supplies & services WE strongly support the urgent call for a regulatory body to oversee and standardise charges imposed by private hospitals for supplies and services. Alarming examples—such as RM43.35 for an ice bag or RM18.80 for baby wipes—highlight the extent of unchecked profiteering that is placing an unfair burden on patients. In another case, a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur charged a patient RM1 for a sheet of disposable garbage bag—easily available at RM1.80 for 10 sheets in convenience stores—and RM3 for a yellow plastic bag meant for used syringes. Other items, like a plastic apron supposedly worn by the operating theatre nurse, were also billed. These charges are nearly impossible for patients to challenge, as hospitals often claim such items were used during surgery when patients are unconscious under anaesthetic. Hospital supplies and services (HSS)—including consumables, diagnostic tests, and use of medical equipment—now make up as much as 70% of private hospital bills, according to Bank Negara Malaysia. While professional fees and room charges are regulated or fixed, HSS costs remain largely unchecked. This lack of oversight fuels medical inflation and drives up insurance premiums, making private healthcare increasingly unaffordable. Patients must not be treated as passive recipients of excessive bills. They have a right to clear, upfront information about all charges before treatment. Too often, they are presented with lengthy, itemised bills—without explanation or the ability to make informed choices. This erodes trust in private healthcare. We echo calls for common-sense reforms. Clear regulations must ensure that prices for consumables and services are fair, reasonable, publicly displayed and relayed to patients prior to treatment or surgery. A regulatory body—including the Health Ministry, private healthcare providers, consumer groups, and civil society—should be established to oversee and enforce these standards. Healthcare providers must also adopt cost-effective practices such as using generic medicines and evidence-based diagnostics, without compromising the quality of care. Private hospitals are essential to our health system, but they must operate with fairness, ethics, and accountability. Affordable, transparent healthcare should be a right—not a luxury—for all Malaysians. The time for action is now. The government must introduce decisive policies and take immediate action to curb profiteering and protect patients across the country. Regulation of private hospital charges is not just overdue—it is a matter of public interest and social justice. Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon MCA Deputy President
The Star
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ayer Kuning polls: Barisan victory shows voters favour inclusive and progressive governance, says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional's victory in the Ayer Kuning by-election demonstrates voters' preference for an inclusive and progressive style of governance, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. "After a fierce three-cornered fight, Barisan's Dr Yusri Bakir successfully won the Ayer Kuning state seat with a majority of 5,506 votes! "Perikatan Nasional's Abd Muhaimin Malek and Parti Sosialis Malaysia's Bawani KS, only garnered 6,059 and 1,106 votes respectively, which clearly demonstrates that local voters favour Barisan's inclusive and progressive style of governance. "Congratulations to Dr Yusri Bakir! May he continue to uphold the spirit of service and lead Ayer Kuning toward a more prosperous and united future!" Dr Wee said in a statement on Saturday (April 26). He also thanked Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon for his efforts. "I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire machinery which has been giving it their all for this campaign. "A special thank you to MCA deputy president and Perak MCA chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon for leading the MCA machinery in their tireless efforts over the past two weeks to ensure more Chinese voters came out to vote and secure Barisan's final victory. "Appreciation also goes to the teams from Election Commission, volunteers, safety and medical personnel and all who ensured a smooth campaigning and voting process," he said.
The Star
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ayer Kuning polls: Barisan's Yusri reaches out on social media to show young voters what he can offer
KAMPAR: With the Ayer Kuning by-election fast approaching, Barisan Nasional candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir says the coalition is doubling its efforts to reach out to voters. The Tapah Umno secretary said on-ground campaigning will continue while an appeal is being sent out via various social media platforms urging outstation voters to come back and cast their ballots on Saturday (April 26). ALSO READ: Economic boost a key agenda in manifesto "We will continue with door-to-door campaigning, and also... other ways to reach out to the people. "One of the (better) ways to reach the younger generation nowadays is through social media," he told a press conference after an interview session with MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon here on Wednesday (April 23). "There are also the older generation (on social media), but the younger ones are more prone to using it. "They will get to see what I can offer them," he said, adding that people could follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and other platforms. ALSO READ: Ayer Kuning polls: EC targets over 70% turnout on April 26 The Perak state by-election was called following the passing of Barisan incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin in February. In GE15, Ishsam polled 9,088 votes and won by a 2,213-vote majority, defeating Pakatan Harapan's Mohd Nazri Hashim, Perikatan Nasional's Muhammad Noor Farid, Pejuang's Maziah Salim, and Parti Sosialis Malaysia's KS Bawani. On Saturday, Yusri will be up against Bawani and Perikatan's Abd Muhaimin Malek.
