Extend Good Samaritan Act to cover food aid for the poor and hungry - Fomca
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GEORGE TOWN: The proposed Good Samaritan Act is a timely intervention as the role of first responders is crucial in times of emergency, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) said.
Fomca vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said this was especially so with the high numbers of those suffering from non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disease, as well as the floods affecting vulnerable communities as a result of climate change.
She, however, called for the proposed law to be extended to cover food aid for the poor and hungry by addressing legal concerns that often hindered individuals, organisations or businesses from donating food.
"The law should explicitly state that individuals, non-profits, and businesses (like restaurants, grocery stores and caterers) donating food in good faith will not be held liable for harm caused by the donated food, as long as the food is safe at the time of donation.
"It should also state that there is no gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or reckless disregard for safety.
"This can encourage more donations by alleviating the fear of lawsuits," she told the New Straits Times.
Indrani said the definition of the Good Samaritan Act should be expanded to include food aid as a recognised act of compassion under the law, alongside traditional emergency assistance.
Read more: Extend Good Samaritan Act to cover food aid for the poor and hungry - Fomca
Rising complaints over faulty, fraudulent second-hand car sales
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KUALA LUMPUR: The National Consumer Complaint Centre (NCCC) has received thousands of complaints about second-hand vehicles, including engine damage and water leakages that cause coolant fluid to mix with engine oil.
As a result, the vehicle's engine needs to be replaced at a high cost, but second-hand car sellers refuse to take responsibility for the damage.
NCCC senior manager Saral James Maniam said these were common complaints from victims who had purchased problematic cars.
As a partner of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), the centre helps consumers resolve issues by acting as intermediaries between consumers and traders.
"Not only do buyers end up with 'defective' vehicles, but some victims purchase cars that were previously involved in serious accidents or have tampered odometers showing lower mileage," she said in a Metro Ahad report.
"Victims feel cheated when they are forced to bear repair costs. Their claims are often ignored by the sellers."
Read more: Rising complaints over faulty, fraudulent second-hand car sales
KAMI MEMERLUKAN SOKONGAN RAKYAT MALAYSIA UNTUK MENANDATANGAN PETISYEN SERUAN SEGERA UNTUK CAMPUR TANGAN REGULATORI TERHADAP KENAIKAN PREMIUM INSURANS DAN PENUBUHAN JAWATANKUASA KAWALSELIA SYARIKAT INSURANCE DAN HOSPITAL SWASTA DI BAWAH PMO
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KAMI MEMERLUKAN SOKONGAN RAKYAT MALAYSIA UNTUK MENANDATANGANI PETISYEN !
SERUAN SEGERA UNTUK CAMPUR TANGAN PIHAK BERKUASA TERHADAP KENAIKAN PREMIUM INSURANS DAN PENUBUHAN JAWATANKUASA KAWAL SELIA SYARIKAT INSURANS DAN HOSPITAL SWASTA DI BAWAH PMO
Kepada Gabenor Bank Negara Malaysia,
Kami mewakili suara pengguna yang terjejas akibat kenaikan premium insurans yang tidak wajar dan tidak masuk akal. Kenaikan ini memberi beban besar kepada pelbagai lapisan masyarakat, terutamanya golongan berpendapatan sederhana dan rendah yang kini berdepan dengan kos sara hidup yang semakin meningkat. Keputusan ini dibuat pada ketika industri insurans melaporkan keuntungan besar, yang menimbulkan persoalan sama ada kenaikan ini benar-benar wajar dan diperlukan.
Manakala hospital swasta terus beroperasi dengan pengawasan minimum, menyebabkan kenaikan kos rawatan perubatan yang tidak terkawal. Inflasi perubatan ini memberi kesan langsung terhadap kenaikan premium insurans, dan tanpa pembaharuan sistematik, beban ini diletakkan secara tidak adil ke atas pengguna. Di samping itu, terdapat keperluan mendesak untuk mempertimbangkan pelaksanaan Insurans Kesihatan Sosial bagi meringankan kos sara hidup dan memastikan penjagaan kesihatan kekal boleh diakses dan mampu milik untuk semua. Oleh itu, kami menyeru Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) untuk mengambil tindakan segera bagi melindungi kepentingan pengguna dan memastikan kenaikan premium ini adalah telus dan wajar.
KEPRIHATINAN KAMI
Kami ingin menyatakan kebimbangan kami mengenai perkara berikut:
- Ketelusan dan Akauntabiliti: Pengguna tidak diberikan maklumat atau data yang mencukupi mengenai kenaikan premium ini. Tanpa maklumat yang telus, kami tidak dapat menilai keputusan ini secara adil.
- Kesan Terhadap Kemampuan dan Perlindungan Insurans: Kenaikan premium insurans akan menjadikan perlindungan asas insurans tidak mampu dimiliki oleh kebanyakan rakyat Malaysia. Ini boleh menyebabkan ramai kehilangan perlindungan yang penting, terutamanya golongan rentan seperti pesara dan keluarga berpendapatan tunggal.
- Beban Kewangan Tambahan: Kenaikan premium ini akan membebankan lagi pengguna yang cukup terhimpit oleh inflasi yang memberi kesan terhadap perbelanjaan isi rumah. Kami bimbang peningkatan ini akan mengurangkan kuasa beli pengguna dan menjejaskan kestabilan kewangan kebanyakan keluarga.
- Pengambilan Keuntungan yang Tidak Dikawal dalam Sektor Kesihatan: Hospital swasta menjadi salah satu punca inflasi perubatan yang tidak terkawal. Industri insurans tidak seharusnya bergantung kepada kos yang melambung ini sebagai alasan untuk menaikkan kos premium. Tambahan pula, ganjaran mewah dan bonus besar yang diberikan oleh syarikat insurans menunjukkan bahawa kenaikan ini bukan disebabkan oleh keperluan tetapi bertujuan mengekalkan keuntungan yang besar.
- Risiko Kejatuhan Sistem Insurans Perubatan: Jika insurans tidak mampu dimiliki, ramai pengguna akan bergantung dengan penjagaan kesihatan awam. Hal ini akan membebankan lagi sistem penjagaan kesihatan awam yang telah cukup tertekan.
CADANGAN KAMI
Kami ingin mencadangkan langkah-langkah berikut kepada Bank Negara Malaysia dan pihak berkaitan:
- Penubuhan Jawatankuasa di bawah Pejabat Perdana Menteri (PMO) : Sebuah Jawatankuasa Khas di bawah PMO perlu dibentuk dan melibatkan pihak berkepentingan bebas untuk menyiasat dakwaan inflasi perubatan yang sering digunakan oleh industri sebagai alasan kenaikan premium insurans. Jawatankuasa ini juga perlu mempunyai kuasa untuk menyemak dan meluluskan semua kenaikan premium insurans pada masa hadapan berdasarkan alasan yang kukuh. Selain itu, jawatankuasa ini perlu diberi mandat untuk mengawal caj hospital swasta dan menyiasat tuntutan berlebihan oleh hospital atau syarikat insurans.
- Pelaksanaan Insurans Kesihatan Sosial :
> Sistem Insurans Kesihatan Sosial perlu diperkenalkan sebagai penyelesaian yang mampan untuk mengurangkan kebergantungan terhadap insurans swasta dan menangani kos sara hidup.
> Sistem ini akan membahagikan tanggungjawab dana antara majikan, pekerja, dan subsidi kerajaan.
> Sistem ini akan memastikan akses yang adil kepada perkhidmatan penjagaan kesihatan asas untuk semua rakyat Malaysia.
> Sistem ini akan meringankan beban kewangan kepada golongan berpendapatan rendah dan sederhana yang terkesan akibat peningkatan kos perubatan.
- Ketelusan Syarikat Insurans: Penyedia insurans mesti mendedahkan justifikasi yang terperinci bagi setiap kenaikan premium insurans. Rundingan awam perlu dijalankan bagi memastikan suara pengguna didengari.
- Kawal Selia Hospital Swasta: Garis panduan harga perlu dilaksanakan dalam sektor penjagaan kesihatan swasta untuk mengawal amalan inflasi dan memastikan kos yang diserap oleh pengguna adalah adil serta telus.
- Moratorium ke atas Kenaikan Premium: Perlaksanaan had sementara ke atas kenaikan premium sehingga kajian menyeluruh terhadap struktur kos insurans selesai.
- Kempen Kesedaran Awam: Melancarkan kempen untuk mendidik pengguna tentang hak mereka sebagai pengguna insurans dan memastikan mereka mempunyai maklumat mencukupi untuk membuat keputusan yang bijak.
Tandatangani petisyen ini sebagai tanda sokongan anda!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Sign_this_petition_to_support_Malaysian_consumers
WE NEED THE SUPPORT OF MALAYSIANS TO SIGN THIS PETITION
URGENT REGULATORY INTERVENTION AGAINST INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGULATORY COMMITTEE FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS UNDER THE PMO
To the Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia,
We, the people of Malaysia, represent the voice of consumers affected by unjustified and unacceptable increases in insurance premiums. These increases place a heavy burden on many consumers, especially middle- and lower-income groups already struggling with the rising cost of living. This decision has been made at a time when the insurance industry has reported significant profits, raising questions about whether these increases are genuinely necessary and justified.
Private hospitals continue to operate with minimal oversight, leading to uncontrolled increases in medical treatment costs. This medical inflation directly impacts the rising insurance premiums, and without systematic reforms, the burden is unfairly placed on consumers. In addition, there is an urgent need to consider the introduction of Social Health Insurance to alleviate the cost of living and ensure healthcare remains accessible and affordable for all. Therefore, we call upon Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to take immediate action to protect the interests of consumers and ensure that these premium increases are transparent and justified.
OUR CONCERNS
We express our concerns about the following:
- Transparency and Justification: Consumers are not provided with adequate information or data regarding these premium increases. Without transparency, we cannot assess the fairness of this decision.
- Impact on Affordability and Insurance Coverage: The increase in premiums will make basic insurance coverage unaffordable for many Malaysians. This could lead to many losing essential coverage, especially vulnerable groups such as retirees and single-income families.
- Additional Financial Burden: These premium increases will further burden consumers already strained by inflation impacting household expenses. We are concerned that this increase will reduce consumers' purchasing power and jeopardize the financial stability of many families.
- Uncontrolled Profit-Taking in the Healthcare Sector: Private hospitals contribute significantly to uncontrolled medical inflation. The insurance industry should not rely on these inflated costs as a reason for raising premiums. Furthermore, extravagant rewards and large bonuses given by insurance companies indicate that these increases are not driven by necessity but rather by the intent to maintain significant profits.
- Risk of Collapse of the Medical Insurance System: If insurance becomes unaffordable, many will depend on public healthcare. This will strain an already overwhelmed system, reducing accessibility and quality of healthcare in the country.
OUR PROPOSALS
We, the signatories of this petition, propose the following measures to Bank Negara Malaysia and related authorities:
- Establishment of a Committee Under the PMO:
A special committee under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) should be formed, involving independent stakeholders, to investigate claims of medical inflation often cited by the industry as a reason for premium increases. This committee must also have the authority to review and approve all future medical insurance premium increases based on solid justification. Furthermore, this committee should be mandated to regulate private hospital charges and investigate overclaims made by hospitals or insurance companies. The committee must also investigate the root causes of medical inflation and pricing practices within the insurance industry independently, involving stakeholders such as BNM, consumer advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and economists. - Introduction of Social Health Insurance (Insurans Kesihatan Sosial):
A Social Health Insurance system should be introduced as a sustainable solution to reduce dependency on private insurance and address the cost of living. This system would:- Share funding responsibilities among employers, employees, and government subsidies.
- Ensure equitable access to essential healthcare services for all Malaysians.
- Provide financial relief to middle- and lower-income groups burdened by rising medical costs.
- Full Transparency by Insurance Companies:
Insurance providers must disclose detailed actuarial justifications for premium increases. Public consultations must be conducted to ensure that consumer voices are heard. - Regulation of Private Hospitals:
Implement pricing guidelines for services in private healthcare to curb inflationary practices and ensure costs are fair and transparent. - Introduce a Moratorium on Premium Increases:
Implement a freeze on premium increases until a comprehensive review of insurance cost structures is completed. - Public Awareness Campaign:
Launch a campaign to educate the public about their rights as insurance consumers and ensure they have sufficient information to make informed decisions.
WHY YOU SHOULD SIGN THIS PETITION
We believe that a fair and affordable insurance system is the right of every Malaysian. We cannot remain silent when an industry that is supposed to protect the people continues to take uncontrolled profits and burden consumers. Failure to act now will lead to more Malaysians losing essential insurance coverage, jeopardizing national health and financial security.
By signing this petition, you:
- Show your opposition to unjustified insurance premium increases.
- Express your support for greater transparency and accountability within the insurance industry.
- Support efforts to maintain affordable and accessible insurance for all Malaysians, including through Social Health Insurance.
We aim to collect at least 100,000 signatures to deliver this message to Bank Negara Malaysia. These signatures will be submitted to BNM alongside this petition as evidence of public support for urgent reforms in the insurance industry.
JOIN US IN THIS FIGHT
FOMCA also welcomes any industry or civil society organizations willing to support and collaborate in this effort. Cooperation and collective action are essential to achieving meaningful change and protecting consumer rights. We fight for all Malaysians and need your support to succeed.
JOIN AND SIGN NOW
Let us unite to voice our opposition to unjustified insurance premium increases. Your signature is crucial to show Bank Negara Malaysia that Malaysians reject practices that jeopardize our financial security and healthcare.
Sign this petition to support Malaysian consumers!
Fomca warns public on surge in fake house rental agent scams
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KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) today warned the public about a growing trend of scams involving fake house rental agents.
Its secretary-general, Dr T. Saravanan, said the fraudsters are pretending to be agents to scam potential tenants, including foreign students, by showing rental properties, collecting down payments and then disappearing.
"Many foreign students have fallen prey to these scams due to their unfamiliarity with local rental practices and lack of access to verified information. The scammers often present themselves as professional agents, using fake business cards, online advertisements and social media profiles to appear credible.
"They arrange property viewings, often of units they do not have legal access to, creating a sense of urgency by claiming high demand for the property. Victims are then pressured to make immediate down payments to secure the unit, only for the agents to vanish after receiving the funds," he said in a statement.
Read more: Fomca warns public on surge in fake house rental agent scams
FOMCA’s Marimuthu slams Ombudsman for Financial Services for claims delays
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THE Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) has criticised the delays in settling medical dispute claims by the Ombudsman for Financial Services (OFS).
Its president Datuk Marimuthu Nadason said the long wait erodes the trust and confidence of financial services consumers in OFS’s consumer dispute resolution system.
“The OFS was set up to provide fair treatment to consumers. Not all complaints from the financial services sector are accepted by OFS, hence no opportunity for the consumer to be heard,” he told The Health newspaper.
Marimuthu said the most serious complaint is the long waiting time for a financial service complaint to be resolved. According to the OFS 2022 report, more than 36% of cases were pending for over six months.
He was responding to an article in the March-April issue of The Health on the timeline the OFS took in settling medical claims and financial disputes. Following the article, feedback from readers indicated that it could take more than a year for a dispute to be settled.
Formerly known as the Financial Mediation Bureau, the OFS is supposed to provide independent, fair, efficient and effective dispute resolution to financial consumers. Its service is free for all financial consumers (individuals and SMEs).
Read more: FOMCA’s Marimuthu slams Ombudsman for Financial Services for claims delays
Announce targeted petrol subsidies early, says Fomca
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PETALING JAYA: A consumer group wants the government to announce early when it plans to implement the targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol to enable consumers to adjust to new and possibly higher prices.
On the other hand, an economist advises against it, saying an early announcement may cause panic buying.
T Saravanan, CEO of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), said prices will rise no matter when the government makes the announcement.
“As a result of the widespread discussions on targeted subsidies for petrol, businesses are already waiting in earnest for its implementation,” he told FMT.
“Whether (the government) announces it earlier or later, prices will definitely rise,” he said.
“Somehow or other, businesses will see additional costs and these will be transferred to consumers,” he added.
Read more: Announce targeted petrol subsidies early, says Fomca
No extra fee for 5G will help economy but govt must keep watch, says Fomca
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KUALA LUMPUR: The government's commitment to see that mobile network providers do not charge extra for 5G access helps ensure that no consumer is left behind, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca).
Its chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah said the decision takes into account the rising cost of living and greater 5G adoption should lead to an overall increase in productivity.
"The technology is not only capable of providing a high-speed Internet experience at a rate of 10 to 100 times or up to 1.5GB per second compared to 4G technology, but also has a better quality connection.
"The efficiency of this connection ... has great potential to boost mobile communication, in addition to creating a new industry that brings benefits to the entire economy," he said when contacted.
Saravanan hoped that despite the efficiency of 5G technology, the government will continue to monitor and investigate consumer complaints if any additional charges are imposed.
On Jan 9, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that no additional charges would be imposed by telecommunications companies on users for access to the 5G network.
Read more: No extra fee for 5G will help economy but govt must keep watch, says Fomca
LETTER | National Scam Response Centre must be reformed
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LETTER | Despite the best efforts of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), scams continue to increase, impacting severely the financial, psychological and social well-being of consumers.
In 2023 alone, according to the NSRC, overall losses due to scams totalled RM1.34 billion. In the instance of investment scams, losses more than doubled from RM209 million in 2022 to RM437 million in 2023, an increase of over 109 percent within a year.
Those affected by scams are not only ordinary consumers but also include the professional, the educated and the articulate. Thus clearly, every consumer is a potential victim of a scam.
Recognising that frequently the losses due to scams may not be recovered despite the best efforts, the best protection is certainly self-protection. Once you are a victim the possibility of recovering your losses is slim.
Read more: LETTER | National Scam Response Centre must be reformed
Co-payment concerns grow
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PETALING JAYA: A leading consumer group has expressed concerns over Bank Negara Malaysia’s recent announcement that insurance companies must introduce medical and health policies with a “co-payment” feature option starting Sept 1.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) said the announcement lacks clarity on the implementation timeline and details, leaving a large part of the process “vague”.
Its chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah said the co-payment feature would create more issues for consumers, as they might have to fork out more money for their medical coverage.
“We know how time consuming it can be for consumers to get their guarantee letters and other insurance documents sorted out before admission to hospitals.
“Some have no choice but to pay out of their pocket first, hoping to claim it back later.
“The claims take time and may not be fully reimbursed. Consumers will ultimately have to pay more at hospitals,” he said.
Saravanan said the announcement is not welcome as it is unclear how co-payments would “encourage consumers to take a more active role in their medical health insurance coverage and claims”.
‘Do more to encourage usage of energy-efficient appliances’
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PETALING JAYA: More allocation should be given to support the rebate programme encouraging usage of energy-efficient appliances, says a consumer group.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said that by providing more cash, it would allow consumers to participate in sustainable practices.
“The government should also add more eligible appliances, not only air conditioners and refrigerators,” he said, commenting on the Sustainability Achieved Via Energy Efficiency (SAVE) 4.0 by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda).
Last December, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said RM50mil was allocated for the programme.
Consumers were allowed to receive rebates worth up to RM400 that can be used to purchase energy-efficient air conditioners and refrigerators with four- or five-star labels issued by the Energy Commission.
Read more: ‘Do more to encourage usage of energy-efficient appliances’
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