Fomca: Traders will find ways to justify price hikes despite price controls
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KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the government's introduction of the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) to control food prices, some traders may still find ways to justify price increases, said a consumer group.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said that based on previous years, certain traders have used various excuses to hike prices even when price control measures were in place.
"We have seen time and again that some traders will find ways to justify raising prices, even when controlled pricing is introduced during festive seasons," she said on NST's Beyond the Headlines.
Indira stressed that existing laws, such as the Price Control Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and the The Control of Supplies Act 1961, to regulate pricing and supply but effective monitoring and enforcement are necessary to prevent unjustified price hikes.
"It's just a matter of monitoring, surveillance and also enforcement. That is why consumers must remain vigilant and report any unreasonable price hikes," she said.
"If there are shortages, it is crucial for consumers to inform consumer groups (such as Fomca) or the ministry so that action can be taken," she added.
Read more: Fomca: Traders will find ways to justify price hikes despite price controls
Govt must be clear on how tax funds are allocated, says Fomca
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PETALING JAYA: While tax hikes are meant to boost national revenue, the government must clearly outline how these funds are allocated, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).
Fomca vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said that with the service tax raised for certain sectors last year, consumers are facing higher costs for services such as repairs and logistics.
She said those services affected by the hike from 6% to 8% tax since March 1 last year include accommodation, nightclubs, karaoke centres, wellness centres, and golf courses.
“Due to this, businesses have passed on the burden of cost to consumers, leading to higher fees for building repairs, plumbing and electrical services,” she said when contacted.
She pointed to Sweden as a model, where tax revenues are reinvested into public services, such as healthcare and education.
“Consumers are more willing to pay taxes when they can see tangible benefits.”
“The government must implement strong monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent businesses from taking advantage of tax hikes to unjustifiably inflate prices beyond the necessary adjustments,” Indrani said.
Read more: Govt must be clear on how tax funds are allocated, says Fomca
SIARAN MEDIA: SAMBUTAN HARI HAK PENGGUNA SEDUNIA 2025 MENEKANKAN PERALIHAN GAYA HIDUP LESTARI SECARA ADIL
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SIARAN MEDIA: SAMBUTAN HARI HAK PENGGUNA SEDUNIA 2025 MENEKANKAN PERALIHAN GAYA HIDUP LESTARI SECARA ADIL
Gabungan Persatuan-persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) telah menganjurkan Majlis Perasmian Sambutan Hari Hak Pengguna Sedunia 2025 bertempat di SMK Cheras Jaya pada 17 Mac 2025, yang dirasmikan oleh Yang Berusaha Encik Mohd Zaid Bin Idris, Pengarah Bahagian Gerakan Kepenggunaan, Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN). Majlis sambutan ini turut dihadiri oleh pelbagai pihak berkepentingan termasuk Yang Berbahagia Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr. Marimuthu Nadason, Presiden FOMCA dan juga Consumers International, Ketua Cawangan KPDN Kajang, Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Selangor, Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Hulu Langat, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, guru-guru, pelajar dan warga kerja SMK Cheras Jaya, serta wakil media.
FOMCA memilih Majlis Sambutan Hari Hak Pengguna Sedunia tahun ini dibuat di sekolah bagi memberi ruang kepada pelajar, guru dan warga sekolah untuk memahami kepentingan kepenggunaan lestari. Dengan adanya kesedaran yang lebih tinggi, diharapkan masyarakat dapat bersama-sama mengambil langkah untuk memperkukuh usaha ke arah gaya hidup lestari secara adil.
FOMCA menegaskan bahawa perubahan iklim yang semakin ekstrem dan kesan negatifnya terhadap keterjaminan makanan, kepupusan biodiversiti, serta pencemaran alam sekitar memerlukan perhatian serius daripada semua pihak. Krisis ini bukan sahaja memberi kesan kepada alam sekitar tetapi juga kepada ekonomi dan sosial, seterusnya merencat pencapaian Matlamat Pembangunan Lestari (Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs).
Tema "Peralihan Gaya Hidup Lestari Secara Adil" merujuk kepada usaha untuk menggalakkan masyarakat mengamalkan gaya hidup yang lebih mesra alam secara adil, inklusif, dan mampan. Konsep ini menekankan beberapa elemen penting:
- Gaya Hidup Lestari (Sustainable Lifestyles)
- Mengurangkan penggunaan sumber yang berlebihan seperti tenaga, air, dan plastik.
- Mengamalkan penggunaan produk yang lebih mesra alam dan boleh dikitar semula.
- Menyokong kitaran ekonomi dengan mengurangkan pembaziran dan memanjangkan hayat sesuatu produk.
- Menggalakkan diet yang lebih sihat dan mesra alam, seperti mengurangkan pembaziran makanan dan menyokong pertanian yang mampan.
- Peralihan yang Adil (A Just Transition)
- Memastikan perubahan ke arah kehidupan lestari tidak membebankan golongan berpendapatan rendah.
- Menyediakan akses yang saksama kepada sumber yang mampan seperti tenaga boleh baharu, pengangkutan awam mesra alam, dan makanan sihat yang mampu milik.
- Menyokong pekerjaan hijau (green jobs) dan memastikan pekerja dalam industri yang terkesan (contohnya industri bahan api fosil) mendapat peluang pekerjaan alternatif dalam sektor hijau.
- Mengelakkan jurang sosial dengan memastikan semua lapisan masyarakat, termasuk golongan luar bandar dan rentan, mendapat manfaat daripada peralihan ini.
- Tindakan Pengguna dan Komuniti
- Pengguna diberi pilihan yang lebih mudah dan mampu milik untuk membuat keputusan yang mampan.
- Pendidikan dan kesedaran mengenai impak penggunaan terhadap alam sekitar dan kesejahteraan sosial ditingkatkan.
- Kerjasama antara kerajaan, syarikat, dan masyarakat untuk menyediakan infrastruktur dan insentif bagi menyokong amalan lestari.
Contoh Peralihan Gaya Hidup Lestari Secara Adil
- Penggunaan tenaga: Meningkatkan akses kepada tenaga boleh baharu seperti solar dan angin, terutama bagi komuniti luar bandar, tanpa membebankan kos kepada mereka.
- Pengangkutan: Memastikan pengangkutan awam yang cekap, selesa, dan mampu milik supaya lebih ramai orang dapat mengurangkan penggunaan kenderaan persendirian yang mencemarkan alam.
- Makanan: Memastikan makanan sihat seperti sayur-sayuran organik mudah didapati pada harga berpatutan.
- Pembuangan sisa: Menggalakkan kitar semula dengan menyediakan sistem pengumpulan sisa yang lebih mudah dan berkesan.
Segala perubahan dasar polisi yang berkaitan peralihan ke arah gaya hidup lestari perlu dilaksanakan dengan adil supaya setiap individu, tanpa mengira status ekonomi atau lokasi, dapat menikmati faedahnya tanpa menanggung beban yang berlebihan. Ia bukan sahaja penting untuk kesejahteraan alam sekitar tetapi juga untuk memastikan keseimbangan sosial dan ekonomi dalam masyarakat.
Oleh itu, FOMCA menyeru pengguna untuk memainkan peranan lebih aktif dalam mengamalkan gaya hidup lestari melalui pemilihan makanan, cara pergerakan, penggunaan tenaga, serta pemilihan produk dan perkhidmatan yang lebih mesra alam.
PROF EMERITUS DATUK DR. MARIMUTHU NADASON
Presiden
PRESS RELEASE: WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY 2025 CELEBRATION EMPHASIZES JUST TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES
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PRESS RELEASE: WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY 2025 CELEBRATION EMPHASIZES JUST TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) organized the Official Launch of World Consumer Rights Day 2025 at SMK Cheras Jaya on March 17, 2025, which was officiated by Yang Berusaha Encik Mohd Zaid Bin Idris, Director of the Consumer Movement Division from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). The event was attended by various stakeholders, including Yang Berbahagia Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr. Marimuthu Nadason, President of FOMCA and Consumers International, Head of KPDN Kajang Branch, the Selangor State Education Department, The District Education Office of Hulu Langat, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, teachers, students, and staff from SMK Cheras Jaya, as well as media representatives.
FOMCA chose to hold this year’s World Consumer Rights Day celebration at school to provide an opportunity for students, teachers, and the school community to understand the importance of sustainable consumption. With heightened awareness, it is hoped that the community will collectively take steps to strengthen efforts towards a just transition to a sustainable lifestyle.
FOMCA emphasized that the increasingly extreme climate change and its negative effects on food security, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution require serious attention from all parties. This crisis not only impacts the environment but also the economy and society, hindering the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year's theme, "A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles," focuses on encouraging society to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle in a fair, inclusive, and sustainable manner. The concept highlights several key elements:
- Sustainable Lifestyles:
- Reducing excessive consumption of resources such as energy, water, and plastic.
- Promoting the use of more eco-friendly and recyclable products.
- Supporting the circular economy by reducing waste and extending the lifespan of products.
- Encouraging healthier and more environmentally friendly diets, such as reducing food waste and supporting sustainable agriculture.
- A Just Transition:
- Ensuring that the transition to sustainable lifestyles does not burden low-income groups.
- Providing equitable access to sustainable resources such as renewable energy, eco-friendly public transportation, and affordable healthy food.
- Supporting green jobs and ensuring that workers in affected industries (e.g., fossil fuel industries) have alternative employment opportunities in the green sector.
- Avoiding social gaps by ensuring all layers of society, including rural and vulnerable groups, benefit from this transition.
- Consumer and Community Action:
- Providing consumers with easier and affordable choices to make sustainable decisions.
- Increasing education and awareness about the impact of consumption on the environment and social well-being.
- Encouraging collaboration between the government, companies, and society to provide infrastructure and incentives to support sustainable practices.
Examples of A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles:
- Energy Use: Increasing access to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, especially for rural communities, without burdening them with additional costs.
- Transportation: Ensuring efficient, comfortable, and affordable public transportation so more people can reduce their use of private vehicles that pollute the environment.
- Food: Ensuring that healthy foods, such as organic vegetables, are easily accessible at affordable prices.
- Waste Disposal: Encouraging recycling by providing a more efficient and effective waste collection system.
Any policy changes related to the transition towards a sustainable lifestyle must be implemented justly to ensure that every individual, regardless of economic status or location, can benefit without undue burden. This is not only important for environmental well-being but also to ensure social and economic balance in society.
Therefore, FOMCA urges consumers to play a more active role in adopting sustainable lifestyles through choices related to food, transportation, energy use, and the selection of eco-friendly products and services.
PROF EMERITUS DATUK DR. MARIMUTHU NADASON
President
Ministry urges students to embrace consumer rights, sustainable lifestyles
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This includes responsible consumer habits such as buying eco-friendly products, minimising waste, and supporting sustainable businesses.
CHERAS: The domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry is encouraging students to learn about consumer rights.
Zaid Idris, the director of the ministry’s Consumer Movement Division, emphasised the importance of students understanding how to make informed decisions and protect their rights as consumers.
“Students should also raise awareness about consumer rights among their families and friends, and adopt a sustainable lifestyle to benefit future generations,” he said during the World Consumer Rights Day 2025 celebration at SMK Cheras Jaya today.
This year’s celebration was themed “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles”, and promoted responsible consumer behaviour such as making eco-friendly purchases, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable industries.
Zaid said the ministry aimed to make this transition affordable for all citizens.
He also said the government would continue working with various parties, including the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), schools, and local communities, to ensure that Malaysian consumers are well-protected and their rights upheld.
Meanwhile, Fomca president N Marimuthu said that any changes in government policy related to the transition should be implemented fairly.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring that everyone, regardless of economic status or location, could benefit without undue hardship.
Marimuthu also urged consumers to play a more active role in adopting sustainable lifestyles through mindful choices in food, transportation, energy use, and the selection of eco-friendly products and services.
Terima banyak aduan isu beli-belah online
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SHAH ALAM - Aduan berhubung penipuan pembelian dalam talian termasuk hak tuntutan ganti rugi dan kelemahan perlindungan pengguna seperti produk hampir tamat tempoh atau palsu, kekal menjadi aduan tertinggi diterima sejak 2018.
Ketua Pegawai Operasi Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (Fomca), Nur Asyikin Aminuddin berkata, antara aduan lain yang kerap diterima termasuk pengguna tidak menerima barang yang telah dipesan dan masalah mekanisme Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) di mana bayaran bank gagal direkodkan dalam e-dompet menyebabkan pengguna tersepit antara pihak bank dan e-dagang.
“Selain itu, terdapat kes tempoh ansuran BNPL didakwa diubah tanpa persetujuan pengguna menyebabkan mereka berhutang lebih lama daripada yang dipilih. Iklan produk yang tiada stok turut menjadi isu apabila pengguna menghadapi kesukaran mendapatkan bayaran balik.
“Kebanyakan pengguna menghadapi kesukaran menuntut ganti rugi kerana penjual atau platform e-dagang enggan bertanggungjawab, menyebabkan masalah ini masih tiada jalan penyelesaian,” katanya kepada Sinar Harian.
Kongsi beliau, kebanyakan aduan yang diterima daripada pengguna adalah melalui platform pusat aduan di bawah Fomca iaitu National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC).
Insurance industry must provide clear explanations for premium hikes - Fomca
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KUALA LUMPUR: While the government has outlined premium rate adjustments as one of four key strategies to tackle the rising costs of health insurance and takaful premiums, there is a need for clear justification behind these price increases.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said that insurance companies must provide clearer explanations and more transparency, particularly in relation to their payout-to-collection ratios.
"The insurance industry must offer clear explanations, especially if they claim to be incurring losses due to paying out more than they are collecting. If the industry asserts that they are making a loss, they must provide justification. The data behind such claims must be made available," she said when contacted.
Expressing concern about the lack of information disclosed by insurance companies, she said: "There is a significant lack of transparency in the insurance industry. If the government is to accept the industry's claim that they are losing money, where is the evidence to back it up? All insurance companies have access to the necessary data and should be reporting it openly."
In contrast, she added that the motor insurance industry had been more forthcoming with data, openly sharing information about premiums sold and claims settled.
"This has led to questions about why the medical insurance sector, which also collects significant premiums, is not held to similar standards of transparency.
Read more: Insurance industry must provide clear explanations for premium hikes - Fomca
Fomca calls for stronger data security in subsidised cooking oil app
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CEO T Saravanan says the government must ensure that the data of users is not misused or exposed to the risk of leakage.
PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) today urged the government to ensure optimal data security for the app that it will introduce to monitor subsidised cooking oil sales.Fomca CEO T Saravanan said the app would store users’ purchase records and personal information, and that the government must ensure the data is not misused or exposed to the risk of leakage.
He told FMT this in response to the announcement about the introduction of the app by domestic trade and cost of living minister Armizan Mohd Ali yesterday.
Armizan said users’ data would be recorded during purchases to allow his ministry to determine whether subsidised cooking oil was being sold to the intended target groups.
He said the app was being used in a pilot project and would be included as part of the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation System.
Saravanan urged the government to ensure that the app is user-friendly and to continue enforcement efforts, given concerns that some parties might try to manipulate the system.
“How will this app be used by those who are not tech-savvy or who do not own a smartphone?
“If the process is too complicated, it could be an inconvenience to them, who genuinely need the subsidised cooking oil.
“This app can be an effective monitoring tool, but it must be supported by efficient enforcement, strong data security measures, and mechanisms that do not burden the people,” he said.
More hands needed for candy crush effort, says CAP
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The Consumers Association of Penang calls for a comprehensive approach involving several government agencies to stop the sale of dangerous candy to children.
PETALING JAYA: The government should rope in officials from various agencies if the health ministry lacks sufficient manpower to ensure dangerous candies are not sold to children, says a consumer group.
Consumers Association of Penang senior education officer N V Subbarow suggested that the government could also involve the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, the customs department, Rela, and even the police.
“Treat this issue as an urgent matter… do not only confiscate but withdraw licences of those who flout the law and take them to court as well,” he said.
His call comes a week after a 10-year-old schoolboy in Penang died after choking on a piece of gummy candy bought outside SK Sungai Dua in Butterworth. The health ministry then banned the sale of the candy and promised further action.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah called for business owners and importers to be held responsible for ensuring that food products met strict safety and quality standards.
He also suggested that the public help the health ministry by reporting unsafe products through accessible complaint channels.
“Enforcement alone is not sufficient,” he said. “A multi-pronged approach is needed, combining regulations, enforcement, public awareness, and industry accountability.”
Shop prudently during festive season, public advised
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Be wary of promotional hype meant to trigger consumers to spend beyond means, says Fomca.
PETALING JAYA: With Ramadan here and Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaching, consumers have been advised to shop cautiously as prices of clothing tend to rise during festive periods.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief operating officer Nur Asyikin Aminuddin said while inflation and rising production expenditures in the textile industry contribute to price hikes, branding plays a significant role in driving
up costs.
“Branding and exclusivity often inflate prices, and there have been instances in which premium-priced items failed to meet expectations, proving that a hefty price tag does not always guarantee superior quality.
“Higher prices do not necessarily equate to better quality in materials, craftsmanship or durability. Well-established brands often charge a premium for their reputation, but some lower-priced options offer excellent value with high-quality fabrics and well-made designs,” she said.
She added that on regular days, a baju kurung may cost about RM120, but during Ramadan and closer to Hari Raya, prices can increase by 10% to 20%.
“Excessive or misleading price hikes become problematic when they make festive clothing unaffordable for many, preventing some from celebrating as they wish,” she said.
Read more: Shop prudently during festive season, public advised
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