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The Star
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
NS bans drinking in four public areas
SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government has banned the consumption of alcoholic beverages along public beaches in Port Dickson. However, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said there is no drinking ban in private areas or other establishments along those beaches. He said his administration has also decided to prohibit the consumption of alcoholic drinks in public fields, children's playgrounds and recreational parks. 'The state exco at its meeting decided to ban such activities in these four public areas due to the high number of complaints from the people. 'Those who flout the regulations will be liable to a compound of up to RM2,000,' he told reporters yesterday, adding that all local governments in the state have been told to enforce the ruling within their respective jurisdictions. Aminuddin said the ban is necessary as those who consume alcoholic beverages often cause a nuisance, which then causes others to stay away from these areas. He said some irresponsible people would also break the bottles and cause a mess in public places. The authorities have also received reports of injuries sustained by members of the public due to broken glass and shards. 'There have also been reports of fights among those who consume alcohol in these places, and we want to put an end to this. 'All Malaysians should be allowed free access to these places at any time without having to worry about their safety or well-being,' he said. He said the state's bylaws do not specify that drinking alcohol in public places is an offence, and that policemen or local council officers who respond to public complaints can only advise those who do so to leave the place. Malaysian Public Service Society president Andrew Raju said the ban is timely as drinkers tend to leave trash behind. 'I've also heard stories of intoxicated people who would go for a swim after a few beers,' he said, adding that the ban should cover more public places. However, former Seri Tanjung assemblyman Datuk M. Ravi said there should not be a blanket ban since Port Dickson is a tourist destination. A resident suggested that the ban be enforced only after a certain hour.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Buying local to stretch the ringgit
Consumers more cautious with their spending PETALING JAYA: As Malaysians witness the implementation of the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) from yesterday, consumers are switching to buying more local products rather than imported goods and cutting back on luxuries like dining out. Nor'ain Othman, 66, has adopted a more cautious approach to her family's spending habits. 'We are also keeping a closer eye on monthly expenses and may cut back on non-essential spending like eating out or online shopping,' she said. The Shah Alam resident said that with the expansion of SST, she had a stronger preference for purchasing local products, particularly fresh produce. 'We are definitely more inclined to support local products, especially fresh produce and groceries. Local goods are usually more affordable and fresher anyway,' she said. She also urged the government, through the relevant ministries, to monitor prices and take action if businesses took advantage of the SST expansion. Ravi Chandhiran Rajagopal, 62, agreed for stricter enforcement to ensure price control among the businesses. He added that he would also reduce reliance on imported products amid the new expanded SST regime. In Perak, Zunaidi Zubir has made early preparations by stocking up needful items before the expanded SST kicked in yesterday. 'I expect prices, especially for imported goods, to rise. Purchasing locally made goods can help me cut down on expenses with the newly imposed SST,' he said when met. Meanwhile, auxiliary policeman M. Moganadass, 48, said he did not make any preparations but would also choose local products to manage his budget. 'I don't see much difference in switching to local products, but this tax hike will definitely burden the lower-income group. 'If taxes and prices go up, salaries should go up too. It's going to be difficult for people to cope if their income stays the same,' he said. CLICK TO ENLARGE In Negri Sembilan, lawyer Andrew Raju said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry would have to constantly monitor the prices of essential goods to ensure there were no increases as these were not affected by the expanded SST. Andrew, who is also Malaysian Public Service Society (MPSS) president, said this was because there was a possibility that businesses might increase the prices of these goods to offset the increase in prices of non-essential items and other costs. 'The authorities have given assurances to the public that there will be no SST imposed on basic essentials such as chicken, fish, vegetables and rice, and many more items but this has to be followed up with full scale enforcement. 'I know many families from low income households who cheered when the minimum wage was increased from RM1,500 to RM1,700 not too long ago but if prices of essential items were not effectively monitored, the increase would be meaningless,' he said. Andrew added that to ensure the people really benefited, stern punishment must be meted out to businesses that also increased prices of toiletries like sanitary pads and soaps which were now SST-exempt. A small time contractor who only wished to be known as Lee said although he would not be directly affected by the expanded SST, an impending increase in prices of raw materials would surely make it costlier for him to do business. 'From what I understand, I won't be affected by the SST as I carry out minor renovations of residential properties but talk in the industry is that we can expect an increase in the prices of raw materials. 'I am only a small-time contractor with six workers and I hope the prices of raw materials will not increase,' he said. In Johor, personal assistant R. Chitra, 46, said the SST would change how she managed her income and spending as she would have to cut back on buying imported goods, including food. 'I do not mind local rice since I already buy it sometimes. But I do hope local products can be of better quality so it is easier for consumers to make the switch. 'Because at the end of the day, I will go with products and services which offer the best quality,' she said. While she believes that the SST is part of the government's plan to increase national revenue, she hopes that it will not burden the public too much. Chitra also suggested the government take advantage of the Central Database Hub (PADU) to provide targeted support to low-income groups, especially the B40 community. Contractor Zippo A. Aziz, 51, who prefers buying imported shoes for the quality, said he might have to stick to more affordable alternatives such as thrift shops after this. 'I love imported shoes and used to buy them often, however now I find thrifted goods to be more pocket-friendly. 'I try to view the new policy in a positive light to encourage us to support local products and avoid wasteful spending. It might also help strengthen the Malaysian ringgit, though many see it as a burden,' he said. Living alone, Zippo said he also preferred to eat at local food stalls rather than dine in high-end restaurants, especially now that SST would be applied on certain products and services. 'The food is way cheaper and just as good, plus you won't get hit with extra charges. 'People go to restaurants and order steak, but not realising that the beef is imported and that is why the prices shoot up,' he said. He added that consumers needed to be smart and responsible in how they spend their money.
The Star
02-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Mothers with special children touched by treat in S'ban hotel
Andrew (right) and Anita (left) celebrating the mothers with special children. SINGLE mother S. Gayithiri was lost for words when she was honoured at a belated Mothers Day celebration for her role in raising her six-year-old twin girls born with special needs. The 46-year-old veterinary assistant and nine other women who raised special needs children were treated to a sumptuous meal and celebrated at a hotel in Seremban, Negri Sembilan. The event was organised by the Malaysian Public Service Society (MPSS). Gayithiri said it was the first time she had celebrated Mothers Day. 'I felt truly humbled. It goes to show that there are people out there who care and appreciate mothers who raise their special needs children despite the hardships and daily challenges,' she said. Gayithiri's twins both have autism. The older twin, Sri Theva Sena, also suffers from hemiplegia, which refers to paralysis that affects one side of the body. Both girls were born premature at 33 weeks. 'I'm happy to have met other mothers with special needs children. 'We are able to exchange notes on so many things,' she said, adding that she also got invaluable information on schools for children with special needs. Aznah Mohd Jani, 61, who attended the event with her 35-year-old daughter Nurul Atiqah Md Fauzi, also thanked MPSS for holding the event. 'Nurul Atiqah, the second of my three children, has Down Syndrome with hearing, vision and heart-related ailments since birth. 'Although the hospital is like a second home as she has many appointments, we are happy to be able to be here to celebrate this very special day,' said Aznah, a former teacher at a school for children with special needs. MPSS chairman Andrew Raju said the event themed 'Mothers' Loving Touch' was to celebrate mothers for their sacrifices in raising their special children. 'Raising a child with special needs can be emotionally challenging, not to mention the other challenges such as managing the financial costs and getting the proper schools or centres for them to learn basic things. 'We are here today not only to celebrate Mothers Day, but also to recognise and appreciate the great contributions of such mothers in raising special children with love,' he said. Andrew said these mothers were not only the primary caregivers but also teachers, nurses, protectors and true friends to their special children. Since parents are always concerned how their special children would cope after their passing, he said the authorities should consider building a special home that could be both a safehouse and development centre for these children. 'The home can be a collaboration between NGOs, therapists, psychologists and the community to create a sustainable ecosystem of support. 'With fundings from the state and collaborations between the local authorities and community organisations, this initiative, I believe, can be realised,' said Andrew, while thanking donors for making the project a success. MPSS women's wing bureau chief Anita Timothy urged the medical authorities to help parents with special needs children by providing them with more frequent follow-up appointments compared to between four and six months currently. 'This is important to ensure their development is not hampered. 'It is also hoped that private medical centres can help such parents by reducing the treatment cost, as insurance companies do not generally cover these children,' she said. She added that teachers should also be given extensive training to cope with the children's emotional dispositions.
