Latest news with #RM70
The Sun
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
PHEB awards RM70,200 to Indian SPM top scorers in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: A total of 167 high-achieving Indian students in Penang who excelled in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination received contributions amounting to RM70,200 from the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB). Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the students, who scored 7As and above across 37 schools, reflect the state government's continued commitment to educational development. 'I believe every young person in Penang has great potential to succeed, provided they remain committed and seize the opportunities for guidance and support available to them. 'The state government continues to prioritise human capital development as outlined in the Penang2030 Vision, with a key focus on enhancing access to quality education for all,' he said during the PHEB Education Carnival for SPM and STPM leavers and the 2024 SPM top scorer appreciation ceremony today. Also present were PHEB chairman RSN Rayer and his deputy, A Lingeshwaran. Meanwhile, Lingeshwaran said this marks the second consecutive year the board has recognised outstanding Indian students in Penang, with each of them receiving RM50 for every A obtained in the SPM examination. He added that between 2023 and May 2025, PHEB has channelled a total of RM883,607 towards educational aid for students pursuing certificate, diploma and degree programmes, as well as welfare assistance. 'Last year, PHEB received an allocation of RM1.5 million from the state government. This year, the amount has increased to RM2 million. 'We hope these funds will continue to benefit the Indian community in Penang, especially our youth pursuing education,' he said.
The Star
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt must clearly state if small traders can use subsidised LPG, says Dr Wee
YONG PENG: The government should clearly state if hawkers and small traders are allowed to use subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. "If the government intends to allow them (hawkers and small traders) to use the (subsidised LPG), then it should be put in black and white," the MCA president said after officiating the Ayer Hitam MCA annual general meeting here on Sunday (June 1). Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said there was no enforcement done on the ruling that requires a permit for the use of more than three 14kg cylinders at one time, although it was introduced during his time in Cabinet. "It is this government that is enforcing the rule and going after hawkers," he said. He said there has been widespread panic among hawkers nationwide following a Petronas directive dated April 30, which instructed gas distributors to stop selling subsidised LPG (12kg and 14kg cylinders) to all commercial premises, including food stalls. "This directive has caused confusion, anxiety and panic among small traders and hawkers. "Aside from social media, many hawkers have also approached me to voice their grouses," he said. He said many hawkers have more than three gas cylinders on standby as it would take time and extra costs to order more if they run out. As of May 1, eateries including hawkers are required to use 14kg commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70 each. The ministry also launched Ops Gasak to combat any misuse of subsidised LPG. On May 23, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said LPG subsidies have cost the government RM3.4bil and said premises using more than 42kg LPG (which amounts to three 14kg cylinders) must apply for a permit under the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Closing the 'leak' in gas subsidy abuse
IT comes as no surprise that retailers are once again manipulating subsidies. This time, large commercial kitchens and hawkers have been found misusing the supply of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders meant for household cooking. Following this discovery, the government, effective May 1, prohibited restaurants and eateries, including hawkers, from using the subsidised LPG cylinders, priced at RM26 a unit. Instead, they were ordered to use purple 14kg cylinders at RM70 per unit. Additionally, kitchens must apply for an annual permit if they need more than three cylinders. From May 1 to 20, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement officers seized RM883,000 worth of goods from eateries found to be violating the directive. Why the ban? In exploiting an illegal loophole, these commercial kitchens bought the subsidised cylinders in bulk by deceiving mobile gas sellers into delivering them to homes under the false pretence of household use. The cylinders are then transferred to the commercial kitchens. The lower gas price leads to higher profit margins for these eateries, allowing them to sell dishes at RM28 or more, when the same dish might cost only RM8 to RM10 at food stalls. Commercial kitchens had been exploiting this loophole for years, but the current enforcement only partially addresses the problem. Previously, operators rarely absorbed spiked operating costs and instead passed them on to consumers. In this case, commercial kitchens have conveniently "blamed" the higher cost of their cuisine on the government's "subsidy withdrawal", which did not happen. Food and beverage industry trade representatives are appealing for understanding, requesting time to adjust to the new commercial LPG prices while also contesting the ongoing seizures. While this is happening, what actions can curb rising eatery costs? Food businesses could adjust menu prices, optimise cooking practices and explore alternative energy sources. Waste reduction and efficient supply chain management can also reduce costs. Crucially, any price adjustments should be communicated to customers. Commercial kitchens could also strategise by bulk purchasing, negotiating better supplier rates and optimising deliveries, especially e-hailing orders. They could use customer loyalty programmes and discounts to encourage repeat business during inflationary periods. While the food business overhaul incurs costs, the government could assist by setting commercial LPG prices to start at the RM30 to RM50 range, then gradually raise them. Also, government subsidies or programmes related to LPG and other energy sources should be easily available. If commercial kitchens can cleverly source cheaper LPG cylinders, they can apply similar creative skills to reduce fuel costs, ultimately keeping delicious cuisines affordable.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Consumers will ultimately pay for eateries' use of non-subsidised gas, says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: Consumers will ultimately bear the cost of eateries using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for commercial use, which is 170% costlier than subsidised gas for domestic purposes, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. The MCA president said eateries are required to use 14kg purple-coloured gas cylinders priced at RM70 each, as opposed to the green-coloured gas cylinders meant for domestic use, which cost RM26 each. "What does the 170% increase have to do with the cost of living? "If you want to eat rice or noodles, you have to cook it first. To cook, you need fire. For fire, you need gas. "If the price of gas goes up, then the price of food will also go up," he said in a video posted on social media on Saturday (May 31). "Who has to bear this price increase? The answer, of course, is consumers," he said. He added that traders also need a permit if they use more than three 14kg LPG cylinders a month, and failing which, are subject to action under Ops Gasak by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. Dr Wee also said there was no need to be too strict on small-time food vendors who barely earn enough to make ends meet. He questioned why the government is unable to provide subsidies to small traders despite being the world's 5th largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. "What is the point of billions of investments if we cannot cover gas subsidies, said to be RM3.4bil in 2024? "What is the point of increasing the Sales and Service Tax (SST) rate from 6% to 8% if the revenue collected is not returned to the people through subsidies?" he asked. As of May 1, eateries including hawkers will be required to use 14kg purple-coloured commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70 each. The ministry also launched Ops Gasak to combat any misuse of subsidised LPG and has made seizures amounting to RM883,000 so far. On May 23, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said LPG subsidies have cost the government RM3.4bil and said premises using more than 42kg of LPG (which amounts to three 14kg cylinders) must apply for a permit under the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021.
Rakyat Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Rakyat Post
No More Cheap Gas For Businesses — Will The Public End Up Paying More?
Subscribe to our FREE Starting 1 May 2025, the government officially rolled out a new policy restricting the use of subsidised Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to households only. This means businesses — including restaurants, cafés, and even small roadside stalls — are no longer allowed to use the familiar orange household gas cylinders. The move comes under Ops Gasak, a strict enforcement initiative by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), launched as part of KITA GEMPUR, a nationwide effort to combat misuse and smuggling of government subsidies. First introduced on 19 October 2024, the campaign aims to ensure only eligible users benefit from subsidised products. What Does Ops Gasak Mean for Businesses? Under Ops Gasak, all businesses must switch to commercial-grade LPG cylinders, easily identified by their new purple colour. These 14kg cylinders are priced at RM70 each — nearly three times the cost of household cylinders, which remain at RM26. KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali explained that any business using 42kg or more of LPG per day (roughly more than three cylinders) must also apply for a permit under the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021. The government initially planned to implement this change back in 2019, but enforcement was postponed — until now. Why the Change? According to the ministry, this initiative is meant to curb illegal use of subsidised gas by commercial entities and prevent smuggling across borders. By targeting these loopholes, the government hopes to better direct subsidies toward households who truly need financial assistance. Impact on Small Food Businesses — and You While the goal may be noble, many are questioning the impact this move will have on small food businesses already grappling with high operational costs. With gas prices tripling, food operators may be forced to increase their menu prices to stay afloat. A viral The Big Question: Will This Lead to Higher Food Prices? Only time will tell how the market reacts to this shift. For now, one thing is clear: the era of cheap gas for businesses is over — and everyday consumers might feel the heat. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
