Latest news with #PenangMCA
The Star
25-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Low water pressure issues unacceptable, says Penang MCA
GEORGE TOWN: Penang MCA has urged the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to resolve the persistent low water pressure issues affecting thousands of residents in South Seberang Perai, Central Seberang Perai and parts of the island. Its state liaison committee chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the continued disruptions, especially during peak hours, are completely unacceptable and highlight inefficiencies in PBAPP's operations. "Despite implementing a major water tariff hike, PBAPP has failed to deliver service quality that justifies such a drastic increase. "Tariff hikes should come with improvements, not deteriorations in service," he said in a statement on Friday (July 25). Tan, who is MCA vice-president, said instead, consumers, especially those living in higher-ground areas like Taman Cendana and Juru, are now forced to endure low water pressure and even dry taps for hours. He said what's even more glaring is the fact that PBAPP's holding company, PBA Holdings Bhd (PBAHB), recorded a substantial pre-tax profit of RM68.4mil in 2023, marking a 107.3% increase from RM32.998mil in 2022. He said this begs the question that if profits have more than doubled, why are Penangites still facing basic water supply issues? Tan said this situation could not come at a worse time. "With news reports that over 100,000 domestic and foreign Catholic pilgrims and tourists expected to arrive at the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam for St Anne's Feast Day, and many of them travelling to the island for sightseeing and leisure, Penang is at risk of giving a poor impression to both local and international visitors, besides the inconvenience of low water pressure where water usage is very essential," he said. Tan said this does not just affect the image of the state, and will directly impacts the tourism industry, small businesses, and state's economy. He urged PBAPP to provide immediate, transparent updates and timelines on remedial actions. "Penangites and visitors to Penang deserve a water management system that is resilient, forward-looking, and capable of coping with growing demand—not one that collapses under seasonal pressure or rapid development," he said. He said that mere acknowledgements and long-term promises are no longer enough. He added PBAPP must prioritise consumers over profit margins and take full accountability for its underperformance. Earlier today, PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the corporation has implemented immediate measures to reduce disruptions and low water pressure during peak hours in several areas across the state, particularly in South Seberang Perai amid the current hot weather. He also said that the company's move to optimise its pipeline system, including valve adjustments to channel more water to affected areas, has helped shorten the duration of interruptions. Currently, consumers experience low water pressure during the peak hours between 6pm and 11pm, but efforts are ongoing to reduce the disruption to just two to three hours daily. Among affected areas are Sungai Bakap, Nibong Tebal, Jawi, Simpang Ampat, Bukit Tambun, and Batu Kawan. Other impacted locations are Bukit Penara and Balik Pulau in the Southwest District, as well as several parts of Seberang Perai Tengah.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
MCA leaders warn of risks in SST expansion
GEORGE TOWN: The Federal Government risks triggering widespread contract disputes and burdening consumers with cascading costs if it proceeds with plans to expand the Sales and Services Tax (SST) from July 1, say two Penang MCA leaders. Penang MCA secretary Yeoh Chin Kah warned that many construction contracts were signed before the policy was announced, lacking clauses to account for the additional 6% tax. "Without clear guidelines, disputes are inevitable. Some projects may even stall. The consequences could be disastrous," he said on Friday (June 13). He said applying SST to the construction sector would further strain an industry already grappling with rising material costs and labour shortages, potentially derailing national recovery efforts. Yeoh urged the government to reconsider the timeline and proposed that SST only apply to the service portion of construction contracts. Materials and equipment, he said, should be exempted. "The sector runs on thin margins. Sudden tax changes mid-contract will destabilise the entire ecosystem," he said. He also criticised the RM1.5mil annual revenue threshold as unfair to small contractors who handle low-value jobs but may cross the mark cumulatively. "Tax should be based on individual contract value. This is about fairness and survival for SMEs," Yeoh added. He said non-profit organisations, including schools, hospitals, and temples, should receive the same SST exemptions as residential projects, warning that extra tax burdens would harm public welfare. Penang MCA Election Preparation & Scrutiny Committee vice-chairman Chan Wooi Jin echoed these concerns, saying the SST expansion will not only impact industries but also raise the cost of daily essentials for ordinary Malaysians. "Essential items like apples, oranges, and lemons are not luxuries. For many families, they are a daily source of nutrition. Taxing them is unfair," he said. He noted that unlike the previous GST system, SST lacks an input tax credit mechanism and may result in multiple layers of taxation passed down to consumers. "Any tax reform must be transparent, people-centric, and able to distinguish between basic needs and luxuries. The rakyat shouldn't have to pay for fiscal missteps," Chan said. Both leaders called on the government to engage with stakeholders and ensure policies are grounded in economic realities, not rushed decisions that threaten livelihoods and public trust.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
RM3.311mil official car purchases under fire
GEORGE TOWN: Penang's state executive councillors and ex-officio members have been going around in the latest Toyota Camry over the past two months. The purchase of the new cars was revealed yesterday, only to come under criticism from political parties. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told reporters at the state assembly that the new fleet of 15 vehicles, costing RM3.311mil in total, was delivered in March. 'The cars were delivered to 10 executive councillors and three ex-officio members, namely the state secretary, the deputy chief minister and the state legal adviser, as well as the state assembly speaker and deputy speaker. 'On average, each car cost RM220,783,' he told reporters. The new ninth-generation Toyota Camry features a completely redesigned interior, refreshed exterior styling and comes exclusively with hybrid powertrains. The previous 2018–2024 models, bought in 2019, offered both petrol and hybrid options. Chow said the previous vehicles had been in service for over five years but he did not specify why they had to be replaced. Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng questioned the rationale behind the decision to spend RM3.3mil on new vehicles at a time of economic challenges, when people are struggling with the cost of living. 'We've heard of government announcements to raise taxes, fees and charges, including liquor licence fees, quit rent enforcement, and even veterinary service charges. 'There was even a report that the state is considering reviewing the financial aid to Penangites under the i-Sejahtera welfare programme. 'This (car purchase) is unacceptable. The money should be used more wisely,' he said.
