Latest news with #NationalConsumerFoundationMalaysia
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
City Hall urged to reform parking guidelines in Kota Kinabalu
KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and relevant planning authorities are urged to review and reform urban design guidelines to ensure they are inclusive, realistic, and community-friendly. This follows DBKK's recent announcement of enforcement against vehicles parked along roads and public spaces in residential areas. National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah chapter) chairman David Chan said the city hall should adopt a more practical and empathetic approach to parking issues, especially during festive seasons and family gatherings. He expressed concern over the recent compounding of vehicles in densely populated housing estates, calling it "illogical" and out of touch with reality. "We urge DBKK to consider amending current planning rules. For example, allowing part of the designated 10% open space in housing areas for temporary community parking during peak periods or special events," he said on Saturday (June 7). Chan added that Sabahans are known for their tolerance and understanding, and local authorities should reflect the same values in their policies. "Penalising people during festive or family gatherings sends the wrong message to communities already facing limited parking due to outdated urban layouts. "If we cannot learn to live together with tolerance and practical solutions, it may be easier to live on the moon than in our own neighbourhoods," he said. He emphasised that urban policies should support the people, not punish them, and called for a comprehensive review to better reflect today's needs. In its earlier statement, DBKK said it had received frequent complaints about traffic congestion caused by roadside parking in housing areas. Under the Streets and Public Places By-Laws 1966, offenders risk fines of up to RM500. Residents were reminded to park within their own compounds, as roadside parking could obstruct traffic and block emergency services. DBKK stated that the enforcement is part of efforts to maintain Kota Kinabalu's image as a clean, safe, and orderly city. Public awareness campaigns will continue via social media and other platforms. For further enquiries or complaints, residents may contact the DBKK hotline at 088-521800.
The Star
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah govt urged to act on UMS water crisis urgently
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government should act on the water supply disruption at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) urgently, says National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) chairman David Chan. He said the crisis reflects poorly on the government's ability to provide basic public utilities, especially to institutions of national importance. "UMS is a prestigious university hosting thousands of local and international is troubling that despite earlier promises of reform since the state government took over water management, the problem remains unresolved," said Chan on Wednesday (May 28). He described it as unacceptable and added that the failure to provide a stable water supply undermines the university's credibility. Chan questioned why the issue has persisted for so long and urged the authorities to offer a transparent explanation and implement immediate corrective measures. "Students have reportedly been left in limbo, with some even lodging complaints with the Premier of Sarawak, indicating growing frustration and desperation," he added. He outlined several interim solutions, including increasing water tanker deliveries, enhancing pump pressure and flow, and considering underground water drilling and mobile filtration systems. Chan said the welfare and dignity of students must be prioritised, emphasising that UMS, as a national asset, deserves better support. "We urge the government to act swiftly and provide a clear roadmap to address this issue. This is no longer just an inconvenience. It is a matter of public trust and responsibility," he said. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has pledged to bring the issue to the attention of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. This follows an open letter by Muhammad Rasul Rozmiezan, a 21-year-old Sarawakian student at UMS, detailing the severe water issues. Rasul described days without running water, reliance on stored water, and a lack of urgency from campus authorities. He appealed for action on behalf of both Sarawakian and Sabahan students, stressing that the crisis is not a state-specific problem. Although Abang Johari acknowledged the issue, he stated it was beyond his jurisdiction but promised to escalate it to the federal ministry. Neither UMS nor the ministry has publicly responded yet.
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah govt urged to address UMS water supply crisis with urgency
David Chan KOTA KINABALU (May 28): The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) expresses serious concern over the ongoing water supply disruption at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) — a prestigious higher education institution that hosts thousands of local and international students. Despite promises of reform since the state government took over water management, the problem remains unresolved. This prolonged crisis reflects poorly on the state's ability to provide basic utilities to vital institutions, said its chairman, David Chan. 'We urge the Sabah government to explain clearly why this matter has not been resolved and to take immediate corrective measures. Students have reportedly been left in limbo, with some even lodging complaints to the Premier of Sarawak — a sign of growing frustration and desperation,' he said in a statement on Wednesday. Chan said it should not be technically difficult to ensure water reaches the campus. Authorities should consider increasing water tanker deliveries, enhancing pump pressure and flow, and — if supply remains insufficient — drilling for underground water and installing mobile filtration systems to ensure clean, safe water is available. 'UMS is a national asset. Leaving students without adequate water supply not only undermines the university's credibility but also affects Sabah's image as a destination for international education. 'We urge the government to act without delay and provide a clear roadmap to solve this issue. The welfare and dignity of our students must not be compromised,' said Chan. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has pledged to bring the issue of prolonged water supply disruptions at UMS to the attention of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. While acknowledging the gravity of the complaints raised in an open letter by a Sarawakian student, the Premier said he was unable to take direct action as the matter falls outside his jurisdiction. The student, 21-year-old Muhammad Rasul Rozmiezan from Kuching, had written to the Premier on May 23, detailing the challenges faced by students at the university — from inconsistent water supply to the lack of urgency shown by campus authorities in resolving the issue. The second-year sociology student described a routine marked by dry taps, rationed buckets, and missed showers, sometimes for days on end. 'It's been like this for a while. Sometimes we don't get water for two or three days straight,' he wrote. 'We fill up whatever containers we have and try to make it last. There's only so much we can do.' In his letter, Rasul appealed not only on behalf of the nearly 1,000 Sarawakian students at UMS but also their Sabahan peers, stressing that the water crisis cuts across state lines and should not be dismissed as a localised problem. 'We're far from home. We don't have family here. We're trying to be strong. But the truth is, this problem affects everyone — not just Sarawakians,' he said.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Ban vaping to protect our youth, says consumer group
KOTA KINABALU: The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia has thrown its support behind the government's proposed ban on vaping and e-cigarette products, citing serious risks to public health and safety, especially among the youth. Its Sabah chapter chairman David Chan said vaping poses significant dangers despite being marketed as a safer alternative to smoking. "Vaping is far from a harmless alternative, with growing evidence showing that vape liquids often contain toxic chemicals capable of causing severe lung damage and health issues," Chan said in a statement on Thursday (May 15). He raised alarm over the rising number of vape cartridges laced with illicit substances, including synthetic drugs and hallucinogens such as the so-called "Vape Magic Mushroom." 'These dangerous mixtures are being distributed by unlicensed individuals and openly sold via social media platforms, bypassing legal regulations. This puts the lives of our youth at risk," he warned. Chan added that if left unchecked, vaping could fuel a surge in drug abuse among schoolchildren, increased dropout rates, addiction-related crimes, and long-term healthcare burdens. "This issue goes beyond health. It has the potential to undermine social stability, and the risks far outweigh any perceived economic gain," he stressed. He urged both the federal and state governments to take firm and coordinated action by enforcing a complete ban on all cigarette and vape products. "Protecting the health and future of our children and young people must be a national priority," said Chan, adding that the foundation stands ready to support any initiative aimed at protecting consumers and public well-being.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Claims excessive fees charged for generator registration in Sabah not accurate, says consumer group chairman
David Chan (left) with ECoS CEO Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid at the Energy Commission of Sabah CEO office. KOTA KINABALU: Recent viral claims suggesting that the Electrical Certification System (ECoS) imposes excessive fees for generator registration are not accurate, says National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) chairman David Chan. "These allegations have caused unnecessary panic among the public, but after an internal review and direct clarification with ECoS, we can confirm that the claims are untrue," Chan said in a statement on Wednesday (May 14). Chan's statement came in response to Parti Warisan's Tanjung Aru assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong, who claimed that the Sabah GRS-PH government was burdening businesses and households with unnecessary generator registration fees, instead of focusing on fixing the state's power issues. In his social media post, Wong listed alleged costs, including a RM2,000 licence application fee, RM2,000 to RM6,500 for drawing submission, RM2,500 to RM10,000 for G and H forms, and RM500 to RM1,000 for annual licence renewals, questioning why these fees were being imposed during challenging economic times. However, Chan clarified that ECoS does not charge the widely circulated RM2,000 licence application fee. He said if such fees were paid, they were likely for third-party services, often referred to as 'runners'. "Consumers can apply directly through the official ECoS website without any charges," he added. He said the RM2,000 to RM6,500 completion of drawing submission fees are typically charged by consultants for professional verification, ensuring the correct and safe installation of equipment. "For existing generator sets, owners should already have the initial installation diagrams, but they can still consult ECoS directly if they need to resolve any issues related to these assets," Chan said. He also clarified that fees for G and H forms, reportedly ranging from RM2,500 to RM10,000, are contractor fees, not ECoS charges. "The G Form covers the Certificate of Completion, while the H Form covers the Certificate of Testing. These should have been provided during the original installation, and owners can liaise directly with ECoS for any concerns," he said. According to Chan, the only fee charged by ECoS is the annual licence renewal fee, which ranges from RM500 to RM1,000, depending on the asset size. This rate remains unchanged from the previous rates set by the Energy Commission (ST) Malaysia. "ECoS further clarified that these regulations are primarily in place to ensure the safety of asset owners and the public, as they require all installations to be carried out by competent personnel and qualified companies," he said. "We urge the public to verify facts before sharing information on social media to avoid causing unnecessary alarm," Chan added.
