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The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has welcomed the government’s plan to launch the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS) pilot project to regulate the sale of subsidised cooking oil at the retail level. FILE PICKUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has welcomed the government's plan to launch the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS) pilot project to regulate the sale of subsidised cooking oil at the retail level.

Its chief executive officer T. Saravanan said a targeted digital system like eCOSS would help minimise leakages and subsidy abuse by tracking distribution patterns.

"Subsidies are a safety net for vulnerable groups, especially the B40. Digitising and monitoring the distribution system will strengthen this safety net," he said.

Saravanan added that a targeted system ensures public funds are used efficiently and fairly, with stronger accountability.

However, he cautioned that the QR code scanning requirement for purchases could pose challenges for certain groups, including the elderly, rural communities, and low-income earners who may not own smartphones or be digitally literate.

He suggested providing alternative access options, such as MyKad-based verification, manual registration, or retailer-assisted scanning.

"Clear public awareness campaigns and on-ground support are essential to avoid confusion or unintentional exclusion of eligible consumers," he said.

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The federation of consumer groups says using the MyKad in channelling aid has proven to boost efficiency while making it easier for those who apply.

payment using ic pembayaran menggunakan kad pengenalan PETALING JAYA: The use of the MyKad has proven useful in reducing bureaucracy and ensuring that social aid can be distributed to the people more effectively, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Fomca CEO T Saravanan said the identity card equipped with a smart chip can reduce the processes applicants have to go through to apply for welfare aid, including the submission of physical documents.

He cited how recipients of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) need only furnish the details in their MyKad for their applications to be processed.

“Aid can then be channelled directly into the bank accounts of the recipients, making the process more efficient while reducing the risk of delays and saving costs for the government.

“This can ensure transparency, efficiency as well as accuracy in the distribution of aid to those actually in need, and curb leakages,” he told FMT.

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Fomca CEO T Saravanan says some recipients lack financial planning awareness, leading them to misuse aid rather than allocate it on essentials.

program STR PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has urged the government to prioritise financial literacy programmes to ensure aid recipients use financial assistance effectively and reduce long-term dependency.

Fomca CEO T Saravanan said that while awareness of government assistance programmes like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) is high, many Malaysians misunderstand its purpose and tend to spend aid on non-essential needs.

“Some lack financial planning awareness, reducing the long-term impact of these programmes,” he told FMT.

“Many Malaysians perceive cash assistance as long-term entitlements rather than temporary financial support.”

To address this, Saravanan proposed incorporating financial education in schools and conducting workshops for working adults to promote responsible financial management.

“There must be upskilling and employment programmes to equip Malaysians with new skills to increase earning capacity, reducing dependency on financial aid,” he added.

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Sistem penjejakan elektronik minyak elak barang bersubsidi diselewengKUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan pengguna menyokong langkah kerajaan membangunkan sistem penjejakan elektronik dikenali Skim Penstabilan Harga Minyak Masak (eCOSS), bagi memantau 'pergerakan' dan penyelewengan barang kawalan bersubsidi di peringkat peruncit.

Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) serta Persatuan Ekonomi Pengguna dan Keluarga (MACFEA) berpandangan pengenalan sistem seperti itu berupaya berfungsi untuk menjalankan pemantauan dan penjejakan dengan lebih telus, sekali gus dapat menjamin barang keperluan yang diberi subsidi oleh kerajaan sampai kepada golongan sasar.

Ketua Pegawai Operasi FOMCA, Nur Asyikin Aminuddin, berharap eCOSS membolehkan pihak penguatkuasa memastikan kualiti barang kawalan yang diberikan subsidi tidak terjejas di sepanjang rantaian pengedaran.

"Sistem eCOSS ini bagus kerana berpotensi untuk mengurangkan ketirisan minyak masa subsidi. Setiap pengedaran barang keperluan ini boleh dijejaki dan mengesahkan sejarah, lokasi atau proses di sepanjang rantaian bekalan itu dari pengeluar sehingga peringkat pengguna.

"Kaedah penjejakan ini juga sangat berguna dalam kawalan kualiti, pematuhan, keselamatan dan lebih telus.

"Melalui kaedah penjejakan, ia turut membolehkan pihak penguatkuasa memastikan minyak masak subsidi yang diedarkan memenuhi standard kualiti yang ditetapkan dan dapat dikesan dengan cepat jika ada masalah kualiti, pencemaran serta penyelewengan.

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SKos rawatan yang tidak terkawal mengakibatkan pesakit mengabaikan rawatan perubatan kerana tidak mampu membayar harga ubat yang tinggi. Gambar hiasan (Gambar kecil: Nur Asyikin)HAH ALAM - Kerajaan digesa mengawal selia sektor perubatan swasta bagi memastikan pelaksanaan tanda harga ubat-ubatan di klinik dan hospital kategori itu dapat melindungi hak pengguna.

Ketua Pegawai Operasi Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (Fomca), Nur Asyikin Aminuddin berkata, akses kepada ubat-ubatan berpatutan dan telus bukan sekadar keperluan, tetapi hak asas pengguna yang perlu dihormati semua penyedia perkhidmatan kesihatan.

"Kami percaya meletakkan tanda harga dapat memperkasakan pengguna untuk membuat keputusan lebih baik mengenai kesihatan mereka, di samping meningkatkan ketelusan.

"Kerajaan perlu memainkan peranan bagi memastikan penyedia perkhidmatan kesihatan swasta tidak mengambil kesempatan ke atas pesakit yang sering kali berada dalam keadaan terdesak untuk mendapatkan rawatan," katanya menerusi kenyataan pada Rabu.

Dalam pada itu beliau menegaskan, kegagalan mengawal harga ubatan sektor swasta memberi impak negatif terutama kepada golongan berpendapatan rendah dan sederhana.

Malah menurutnya, kos rawatan yang tidak terkawal mengakibatkan pesakit mengabaikan rawatan perubatan kerana tidak mampu membayar harga ubat yang tinggi.

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Indira said laws regulate pricing and supply, but enforcement is key to preventing unjustified price hikes. —NSTP/Hairul Anuar RahimKUALA 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.

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Explained: Current State of Malaysian TaxPETALING 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.

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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

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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

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This includes responsible consumer habits such as buying eco-friendly products, minimising waste, and supporting sustainable businesses.

Free Malaysia TodayCHERAS: 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.

 

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