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The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Ban on vape sales ‘could be counterproductive, fuel black market'
KUALA LUMPUR: There will be long-term implications, including potential job losses, particularly affecting Bumiputera entrepreneurs and SMEs, if the Selangor government decide to impose a ban on the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes. Datametrics Research and Information Centre Sdn Bhd managing director Pankaj Kumar said that, alongside reduced state and federal tax revenues, an increase in illegal product sales that may pose public health risks, and continued regulatory uncertainty that could deter investment in both the industry and the broader retail sector. 'A state-wide ban would be short-sighted and counterproductive. It undermines national legislation (Act 852), penalises law-abiding businesses, and opens the floodgates to black market activity,' he told SunBiz. When asked about risks that such a ban might worsen illegal trade or increase the circulation of unregulated vape liquids, Pankaj said, 'Absolutely. We have seen this happen in other markets. 'Bans tend to create a vacuum that bad actors quickly fill. The unintended consequence of prohibition is the rise of unregulated trade, where products are not tested, labelled, or taxed. 'Malaysia already faces a tobacco black market valued at RM5 billion annually. A vape ban will only exacerbate this issue, making it more difficult for enforcement agencies to track and regulate consumption. 'Worse, illicit vape products are often laced with narcotics, posing significant health risks to consumers and especially youth.' Pankaj said a vape ban in Selangor, a state with one of the highest retail and commercial concentrations in the country, would significantly disrupt a legal industry that currently supports thousands of jobs and micro-enterprises. He said based on data, the vape industry in Malaysia contributes RM3.48 billion in economic value, employing over 31,500 individuals, many of whom are Bumiputera entrepreneurs who operate small businesses. 'A state-wide ban would not only collapse these businesses but also reduce retail tax contributions and sales-based state taxes. Instead of regulating and collecting revenue from legal players, Selangor risks pushing economic activity underground, where it is untaxed, unregulated, and unsafe,' he added. Asked what alternative policy approaches Selangor could consider instead of a full sales ban, Pankaj said several data-driven alternatives to a ban can be considered. These include strict enforcement against illegal substances in vape liquids, particularly narcotics and banned chemicals, along with the introduction of retail licensing systems to ensure only approved outlets sell compliant products. 'Implementing digital tracking and traceability can help verify that products are legally sourced and sold, while age-gated sales with ID verification at the point of purchase can prevent underage access. 'Complementing these measures with health education campaigns will help counter misinformation and discourage youth usage. Together, these steps can create a transparent and accountable industry that supports national health objectives without driving growth in the black market,' he said. Recently, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the decision to ban vape sales in the state would be made after the public health committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin presents a policy paper on the proposal to the state executive council. He said the state government will prioritise public health and future generations as it weighs the consequences of prohibiting vape products. Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas said the government should stay focused on enforcing Act 852 fairly and consistently. 'Legal businesses are prepared to comply with the rules. What undermines both public health and industry sustainability is the blanket ban on vaping at the state level. 'These bans do not stop demand, they just push consumers to the black market. Proper regulation and enforcement, rather than prohibition, are the most effective tools to protect public health while supporting legitimate businesses,' he said. Adzwan pointed out that during a recent Parliament session, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted a study conducted by Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital involving 152 students in Kelantan, where vape has been banned since 2016. The study found that among 152 students who vaped, 65% were vaping products mixed with magic mushrooms, which is considered more concerning than methamphetamine and syabu drugs. 'This is strong evidence that a ban does not work,' he said. Adzwan stated that for legal vape players committed to compliance, the current regulatory framework under Act 852 is workable. 'Many of our members, who include a significant number of Bumiputera entrepreneurs and SMEs, have already submitted the necessary paperwork and are in the process of aligning with the law. 'However, the real threat now is from state-wide bans. These bans disproportionately hurt legitimate businesses, especially smaller local entrepreneurs. The real issue is abuse of vape products, not the legal, regulated products being sold. The government should focus on cracking down on misuse and illegal substances, not punishing those who are playing by the rules,' Adzwan said.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Data operator at circle office caught taking Rs1L bribe
Sasaram: A vigilance team on Saturday arrested a data operator at the Sasaram circle office on charges of accepting a bribe of Rs 1.10 lakh in connection with a land mutation case. According to official sources, the bribe was demanded even though the deputy collector land reforms (DCLR) had already issued a directive for the mutation to proceed. The complainant, Pankaj Kumar of Pratapgarh locality in Sasaram town, informed the vigilance department that circle officer Sudhir Onkara had been deliberately delaying the process and had allegedly sought Rs 1 lakh for himself and ₹Rs 0,000 for the data operator. After verifying the complaint, the vigilance team laid a trap. On Saturday afternoon, when Pankaj arrived at the circle office to hand over the bribe, the circle officer was absent. He instructed Pankaj over the phone to give the entire amount to data operator Akash Kumar Das. As soon as the transaction took place, the Vigilance team arrested Das. Vigilance DSP Amarendra Prasad Vidyarthi said an investigation was underway to determine the involvement of other officials. Following the operation, the circle officer went into hiding and switched off both his cellphones. Sources said the district administration had earlier conducted an inquiry into his conduct on instructions from the state govt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo The investigation confirmed the allegations against him. Rohtas DM Udita Singh subsequently submitted a report to the state govt recommending action against the circle officer. However, despite the report being filed four months ago, no action has yet been taken. According to revenue department sources, over 200 complaints against the circle officer remain unresolved and are gathering dust.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
MCG cracks down on unpaid property tax; 100s of high-value cases identified
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has intensified its crackdown on chronic property tax defaulters, issuing recovery notices to multiple owners with long-standing dues, officials said on Tuesday. The drive comes amid rising defaults and growing arrears. Officials have compiled lists of the top 100 defaulters in each zone, with a priority focus on properties where outstanding taxes exceed ₹50 lakh. Despite lowering its FY-25 property tax target to ₹300 crore—down from ₹500 crore the previous year—the civic body managed to collect only ₹240 crore, marking a 5% decline from the ₹254 crore collected in FY-24. According to officials, the shortfall is attributed to incorrect property records, unresolved disputes, and property owners delaying payments in anticipation of rebates. On Tuesday, Pankaj Kumar, zonal taxation officer of Zone-2, issued recovery notices to 22 such high-value defaulters. MCG confirmed that similar notices are being served across other zones as well, warning of strict action, including sealing and auctioning of properties in case of continued non-compliance. To be sure, under the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, all owners of buildings and vacant plots within municipal limits are required to pay annual property tax. The law stipulates an annual interest of 18% on unpaid dues. Persistent defaulters risk property sealing and auction as per statutory provisions, which will begin from the first week of June. 'City development schemes and basic municipal services heavily depend on this revenue source. Stringent measures against chronic defaulters are necessary to ensure the city's planned growth,' said MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya. Reinforcing accountability, the corporation urged residents not to involve intermediaries or brokers in property tax matters, stressing transparency and direct engagement through official channels. To assist those unfamiliar with digital processes, help desks have been established at municipal offices. Staff at these desks are required to resolve citizen grievances promptly. Officials said that zonal taxation officers have been instructed to act immediately on complaints. Employees in the tax department have been explicitly directed not to delay, reject, or revert applications without valid cause. Any such misconduct will lead to departmental proceedings, they added. According to officials, since April 1, 2015, the MCG has received 11,159 objections related to property tax assessments. Of these, 7,622 were resolved within the designated timeframe, 554 were rejected due to incomplete documentation, and 1,700 were reverted to applicants for corrections. Only 1,283 cases remain pending as of now, they added. The MCG has also called on citizens to report any illegal payment demands to the commissioner or additional commissioner, assuring immediate legal action against offenders. Officials said that citizens are advised to handle tax-related matters personally or through authorised MCG portals to avoid fraud.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Support staff of Rims protest salary delay
Ranchi: Healthcare services at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) were affected briefly in the first half of Tuesday after employees from the central sterile supply department (CSSD) and the laundry unit protested against non-payment of salaries for the past several months. The strike threatened the suspension of all cardiac and other critical surgical procedures until noon. Officials, however, claimed that no major problem was encountered during the period. CSSD and laundry workers, whose responsibilities include sterilising surgical instruments and managing hospital linen, struck work. These workers, who earn between Rs 6,500 and Rs 8,500 per month, claimed that they reached a point of starvation and severe financial distress. Many reported being deep in debt, unable to pay household expenses or their children's school fees. Agustin Bakhla, a protester, said, "It's been six months without pay. Our patience has run out. We are drowning in debt and struggling to feed our families." Pankaj Kumar, another protester, said, "We have issued a written warning to the hospital authorities 10 days before the strike, indicating that we would stop work if our salary issues were not addressed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Despite this, the administration reportedly failed to take timely action." Notably, Rims outsourced CSSD and laundry services to Medilab, a private agency. However, the agency failed to pay its workers for months, citing delayed payments from the hospital. Rims director Dr Raj Kumar said, "According to terms of agreement, Medilab is obligated to continue paying its workers regardless of delays in institutional payments, a clause it clearly violated." The administration acknowledged that some of Medilab's earlier bills were submitted late, which contributed to payment delays. However, officials affirmed that recent bills were submitted on time and that the institution would clear the pending payments within three days. According to the Rims administration, all services continued without disruption as the strike was called off. Meanwhile, the employees agreed to return to work after assurances from the administration and a written commitment from Medilab to clear pending dues within a week. The Rims director has instructed officials to submit a report on the reasons for the strike within five days. "If the contractor is found guilty of violating the tender terms and disrupting essential services, Rims will lodge an FIR against them," Dr Kumar added.
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
From frontlines to margins, Delhi's civil defence volunteers feel they are getting eased out of disaster response work
Less than two weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack, when the mock drills were held across the country on May 7, Delhi's civil defence volunteers (CDVs) came under the spotlight again nearly two years after thousands of them were pressed into action to help with rescue and relief during the July 2023 floods. Before the floods, the CDVs were deployed in the Capital's fight against the pandemic to ensure that lockdowns were observed strictly and essential services reached the needy. They have also been deployed in cases of building collapse, given that the force, which today is 1.7-lakh strong, is trained in handling stampedes, firefighting operations, communications, and a number of other life-saving skills. However, many of the CDVs, which include retired professionals, college students, and homemakers, all of whom are paid nothing, except an amount ranging from ₹800-₹900 daily during deployment, feel their significance has declined over the years. 'Inspired by father' Pankaj Kumar, 32, who works in the Sadar Bazar wholesale market and has been a CDV for the past decade, says he was motivated to join the force after seeing how everyone admired his father for the work he did as a volunteer in his time. 'During COVID-19, we were considered essential workers. We ensured that the lockdowns weren't violated, and it was to us that people turned for information. However, we haven't been getting much work since then,' he said. Due to the reduced workload, dedicated spaces for training and regular meetings that the CDVs had in every police station have also been reduced, say volunteers. The Hindu visited five police stations in areas including Karol Bagh, Sadar Bazar, and Civil Lines, to corroborate these claims, and found that the spaces meant for the CDVs had been turned into creches, waiting rooms or utility rooms. Devender Singh, a 77-year-old retired bank employee, has been working as a volunteer since 1995. Mr. Singh, who now walks with a cane for support, said he has aided the police and the National Disaster Response Force many times with crowd control, building collapses, and other emergency calls. 'But over the years, the demand for volunteers has gone down, which means that there's little enthusiasm or availability of young, well-equipped volunteers,' he said. Omkar Singh, who has been a CDV since 1989 and works as a driver and carpenter for a living, said he enjoyed his volunteering days. 'We used to meet every Sunday to practise as well as help young volunteers learn the ropes. These days, even if we find young, willing volunteers, we don't have the resources to teach them,' he said.
