Man losses RM39,000 after downloading app offering discount for utility bills
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July 20, 2021 @ 3:30pm
KUCHING: A 49-year-old man lost RM39,700 after downloading a mobile application that required him to provide his personal details including banking information.
Sibu police chief Assistant Commissioner Stanley Jonathan Ringgit said the victim, a self-employed man, saw an advertisement introducing the application dubbed as 'Direct Pay' when browsing his social media account on Friday.
He said the advert caught the victim's attention as it offered an eight per cent discount for utility bills paid via the application.
"He (victim) sent a message to the number that appeared on the advertisement to ask for more information.
Later, he received a reply (from WhatsApp), instructing the victim to download the application and provide his personal details, including bank information to enjoy the discount.
Stanley said the victim received a phone call from the bank the next day, stating that 12 transactions, involving RM23,700, had been transferred to a particular account.
"The victim had no idea whose account that was and only realised he was cheated later and lodged a police report."
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
FOMCA terima banyak aduan kenaikan premium insurans
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Julai 16, 2021 @ 5:24pm
KUALA LUMPUR: Kenaikan mendadak harga premium insurans kesihatan antara 30 hingga 60 peratus antara tujuh aduan diterima Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) berdasarkan 495 aduan yang diterima dalam tempoh dua minggu.
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif FOMCA, Saravanan Thambirajah, berkata isu itu dikesan membabitkan sebilangan syarikat insurans yang bertindak menaikkan harga premium insurans kesihatan sejak tahun lalu ekoran penularan pandemik COVID-19.
Beliau berkata, tindakan itu tidak sepatutnya berlaku ketika rakyat khususnya ada pelanggannya yang hilang kerja dan pendapatan.
"Apa pun alasan mereka (syarikat insurans) menaikkan harga premium insurans kesihatan, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) perlu kawal selia dengan ketat.
"Pemberian moratorium tiga bulan pun tidak diuar-uarkan secara meluas berdasarkan makluman daripada BNM. Ia menyebabkan ramai orang tidak tahu mengenai moratorium berkenaan dan di pihak kami pun tidak mengetahui lanjut mengenai perkara ini kerana tiada jalinan komunikasi yang baik.
"Kita sudah memberitahu kepada mereka (syarikat insurans), jangan naikkan harga sebab pandemik COVID-19, sebab ada yang hilang kerja dan hilang pendapatan," katanya pada sidang media maya selepas menghantar memorandum kepada BNM yang diwakili Timbalan Gabenor, Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, hari ini.
Pengurus Kanan Pusat Khidmat Aduan Pengguna Nasional (NCCC), Baskaran Sithamparam, berkata lebih mendukacitakan ada pelanggan tidak dimaklumkan mengenai kenaikan harga yang perlu dibayar.
"Pelanggan tidak diberitahu mengenai kenaikan harga premium yang membebankan. Jika satu keluarga ada empat orang, insurans naik RM50... ia adalah peningkatan yang banyak. Jadi, pihak insurans kena maklumkan kepada pelanggan.
"Walaupun mereka (syarikat insurans) ada kuasa untuk naikkan caj perkhidmatan dan caj mutlak, syarikat insurans sepatutnya maklumkan perkara itu. Bank Negara juga kena lihat peratusan (kenaikan) dan sepatutnya kawal selia.
Read more: FOMCA terima banyak aduan kenaikan premium insurans
KPDNHEP siasat harga telur ayam naik
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Julai 16, 2021 @ 11:19pm
TEMERLOH: Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna (KPDNHEP) mengesan harga telur ayam meningkat kira-kira tiga peratus.
Timbalan Menterinya, Datuk Rosol Wahid, berkata berikutan itu, siasatan akan dilakukan mengikut Akta Kawalan Harga dan Antipencatutan 2011.
Katanya, pihak kementerian menerima laporan mengenai kenaikan harga bahan mentah itu, kelmarin.
Beliau berkata, siasatan awal mendapati kenaikan harga itu tidak dapat dielakkan kerana banyak ladang ternakan ayam ditutup berikutan perintah kawalan pergerakan (PKP).
Katanya, keadaan itu menyebabkan penawaran berkurangan manakala permintaan terhadap bahan berkenaan meningkat.
"Saya dimaklumkan bahawa telur ayam akan ada kenaikan harga kerana difahamkan banyak ladang ladang ayam ini, kini tidak beroperasi.
"Walaupun ada kenaikan, kita akan pantau kenaikan ini sebab dua tiga hari lalu, kita dapat mesej daripada sahabat mengatakan bahawa akan ada kenaikan harga.
"Malah, ia turut diakui pengeluar telur ayam bahawa ada kenaikan harga," katanya kepada pemberita ketika melakukan pemeriksaan harga barangan di Tunas Manja Mall, di sini, petang tadi.
Turut hadir, Timbalan Pengarah (Pencegahan) Bahagian Penguat kuasa KPDNHEP, Aris Mamat.
Rosol berkata, pihaknya memahami situasi yang terpaksa ditanggung peniaga terbabit, namun tindakan tegas akan diambil jika harga dinaikkan tidak munasabah.
Katanya, sebagai contoh harga telur di pasar raya Tunas Manja Mall, dua hari lalu, bagi gred A ialah RM12 sepapan kini RM13.10, gred B RM10.80 (RM11.90) dan gred C RM10 (RM11.30).
Dalam pada itu, beliau berkata, bekalan barangan keperluan menjelang Aidiladha adalah mencukupi, kecuali tepung gandum bersubsidi.
Malah, katanya, pemantauan turut dijalankan di pasar raya dan premis dengan kekuatan 2,263 pengawai penguatkuasaan kementerian di seluruh negara.
Sumber: https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2021/07/840279/kpdnhep-siasat-harga-telur-ayam-naik#
Fomca: More than 1,500 complaints on insurance industry received over past year
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Friday, 16 Jul 2021 6:25 PM MYT
PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) received more than 1,500 complaints regarding insurance companies last year, a number of them involving the substantial increase of medical insurance premiums.
Fomca national consumer complaints centre senior manager S. Baskaran said some of the increases were so steep that consumers could not afford the premium under short notice.
"Even more so during the pandemic when people have lost their jobs or taken drastic pay cuts.
“It's not fair to increase the premiums as it (medical insurance) is an important thing to have," he told a press conference on Friday (July 16).
Baskaran said one complainant, a 60-year-old physically challenged woman who bought her policy 12 years ago and was paying a monthly premium of RM159, received a notification that it had been increased to RM459, an increase of 188%.
"If the premium increases by too much, there is a possibility that the policy may lapse and eventually be terminated if the holder is unable to keep up with the payments," he said.
Fomca had on Friday submitted a memorandum to Bank Negara deputy president Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour on the issue and six other matters regarding insurance.
It urged the central bank to look into the complaints, saying that consumers need policies that are able to protect them and their families.
"The onus is on the insurance industry to develop and revamp in the areas where there are many weaknesses.
"It has to cover every angle so as not to put policyholders in a difficult situation. Bank Negara must be more vigilant and ensure that consumers are well protected,“ said Baskaran.
The other complaints Fomca received included cash values accumulated over time being utilised to cover revised total premiums without the consent of the policyholder; consumers told to pay first and claim later; disputes on claimd; as well as misleading terms in policies.
Regulate steep hike in insurance premiums, Bank Negara told
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July 16, 2021 6:43 PM
PETALING JAYA: The National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC) has urged Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to regulate the steep increase in insurance premiums.
In a memorandum sent to BNM, NCCC, a division under the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations, said insurance companies were increasing premiums at such a rapid rate that consumers were unable to pay at short notice.
Its senior manager, Baskeran Sithamparam, said the time frame given for the increase in premium to take effect is often rather short.
“Policyholders need time to adjust to the premium increase.”
Baskeran said that if the premium increase was too big, there was also a high possibility that the policy may lapse, with the policyholder being unable to keep up with payments.
“BNM should regulate the insurance premiums very strictly. If there is any increase, the justification must come from BNM as insurance companies are under its purview.”
Baskeran added that although patients had medical cards, there had been numerous instances when insurance companies denied approval for certain treatments.
In fact, he said insurance companies would insist that the policyholders pay the expenses first and claim later in certain cases.
Baskeran said it was unfair for insurance industries to expect policyholders to pay first as they had been paying their premiums promptly.
“Consumers paying their premiums but being unable to use their medical card will lead to distrust in insurance companies.
“The ‘pay first, claim later’ practice should be abolished. It should not be applicable when a medical card has been provided,” he said.
Baskeran also said BNM should ensure there are affordable medical insurance policies for those in the lower-income bracket.
“In short, BNM must be more vigilant and ensure consumers who buy insurance policies are well protected,” he said.
Facebook Collaborates On #TakNakScam Campaign
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July 16, 2021
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 – As part of the industry effort to fight financial fraud, Royal Malaysian Police’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) and Facebook Malaysia, in partnership with government agencies, industry and consumer associations today launched a nationwide #TakNakScam awareness campaign to educate the public on how to identify, check and report against highly deceptive tactics employed by scammers.
In a statement, Facebook said this ongoing campaign held from July till the end of September is a joint effort between CCID, Royal Malaysian Police, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP), Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), Bursa Malaysia Bhd, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM), Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) and the Education and Research Association for Consumers, Malaysia (ERA Consumer Malaysia).
“More people than ever before are now online and social media helps people stay connected with communities, families, and friends around the world,” Facebook Malaysia Acting Country Director Justin Murugaya said.
“However, it is not just the good guys that are online.
“With the rising scam cases across Malaysia, we hope that this campaign will help support various law enforcement and government agencies, industry and consumer associations and the financial services sector in building and ensuring a safer online ecosystem in Malaysia.”
Many Malaysian have become victims of frauds and scams since the beginning of the Movement Control Order (MCO), financial scams being most prevalent, as scammers exploit increasing reliance on technology.
According to PDRM, cybercrime fraud in Malaysia is on the rise at a concerning level.
Over the last five years, a total of 67,552 cyber scam cases were reported between 2017 till this June 20, recording a total loss of RM2.23 billion.
Of the total, e-commerce scams top the chart with 23,011 cases, followed by illegal loans 21,008 cases and investment scams, 6, 273 cases.
Malaysians suffered RM2.23 billion losses from cyber-crime frauds
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July 16, 2021 @ 1:27pm
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians suffered losses amounting to about RM2.23 billion from cyber-crime frauds since 2017.
According to statistics from the police, a total 67,552 cyber-crime cases were reported between 2017 till June 20 this year.
Of the total, e-commerce scams topped the chart with 23,011 cases, followed by illegal loans (21,008) and investment scams with 6,273 cases.
To put an end to this, the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) and Facebook Malaysia, in partnership with government agencies, industry players and consumer associations today launched a nationwide #TakNakScam awareness campaign.
The campaign is to educate the public on how to identify, check and report against the highly deceptive tactics employed by scammers.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid said that the development of eCommerce was akin to a double edged sword where frauds, scams and other cyber-crimes via digital platforms has increased in line with the success of digital businesses.
He said there were a total of 11,511 (33.2 per cent) complaints on online transactions recorded by the ministry last year, an increase compared to 5,416 (24.7 per cent) complaints received in 2019.
"The complaints have been steadily rising, and as of June 2021, it was one of the most frequent complaints received by the ministry at 45.2 per cent of total complaints.
"Both the government and private sectors must prepare to prevent an impending wave of fraud and if there are no drastic measures taken, the online scam will affect consumer confidence severely among others.
"A more holistic approach is needed to curb this issue that involves many cross agencies, and private sector collaborations," he said when delivering his keynote address via Zoom today.
He launched the #TakNakScam campaign in the presence of Bukit Aman CCID deputy director (Cyber-crimes and Multimedia investigation) Senior Assistant Commissioner Victor Sanjos, Facebook Malaysia interim country director Justin Murugaya, Bank Negara Malaysia Penang branch chief Hasjun Hashim and Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) deputy secretary Nur Asyikin Aminuddin.
Read more: Malaysians suffered RM2.23 billion losses from cyber-crime frauds
Hospitals can apply for ‘off-label use’ of Ivermectin, says health ministry
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June 25, 2021 3:55 PM
PETALING JAYA: Hospitals are allowed to apply to the Drug Control Authority to use Ivermectin for off-label use including treating Covid-19 patients, the health ministry said.
“Like any other medicine, including Lopinavir and Kitonavir, if there is a strong indication that it can be used, hospitals can apply to the Drug Control Authority for off-label use,” the ministry said. The Drug Control Authority is an agency under the health ministry.
But the use of off-label medication, the ministry said, must be done in a monitored environment. Off-label use is a term to describe a medical drug that is used for a different purpose than the one it was originally meant for.
The ministry said this in response to a demand by a private doctor asking a hospital in the Klang Valley to reveal if it had used the controversial drug to treat any Covid-19 patient.
Dr Amir Farid Isahak said based on the discharge notes he had obtained from a “close family friend”, the hospital in question had used Ivermectin, which is currently not recognised by the health ministry, for Covid-19 treatment of a patient.
Amir, whose clinic was recently raided by authorities for supplying the anti-parasitic drug, said the patient was a Category 5 case. He also claimed that the patient was not informed by any doctor or medical staff that Ivermectin would be used.
In early June, the health ministry and its Institute for Clinical Research began clinical trials to study the effects and effectiveness of Ivermectin to treat high-risk Covid-19 patients in 12 government hospitals.
“If it was given as part of a study, the patient would have been informed,” Amir told FMT.
Read more: Hospitals can apply for ‘off-label use’ of Ivermectin, says health ministry
MEDIA INVITATION: PRESS CONFERENCE ON MEMORANDUM SUBMISSION TO BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO INSURANCE INDUSTRY
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MEDIA INVITATION: PRESS CONFERENCE ON MEMORANDUM SUBMISSION TO BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO INSURANCE INDUSTRY
Referring to the matter, Federation of Malaysia Consumers Associations (FOMCA) and National Consumer Complaints Centre will be submitting a Memorandum regarding CONSUMER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO INSURANCE INDUSTRY to Bank Negara Malaysia.
Almost every consumers has some form of insurance these days. Policies ranging from housing, motorised vehicles, endowment, medical, life and many more have been evolving in different packages. Consumers are also investing in medical policies due to the increase of communicable and non-communicable diseases that have been constantly evolving. Having a medical insurance policy will be an added advantage as policy holders can seek medical attention or treatment at a private hospitals.
Nevertheless, the insurance industry has been identified as more of a bane than a boon by a big group of consumers. Numerous complaints have been voiced and lodged at the National Consumer complaints Centre (NCCC) with regards to insurance. NCCC which is a partner of Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) has been and continues to be concerned on the transparency of the procedures of insurance industry when handling consumers concerns and issues. This memorandum aims to highlight the ongoing types of complaints received from consumers in regards to insurance and the recommendations for a well-functioning industry alongside with well-informed consumers.
The event shall be held as follows;
Date : 16th July 2021 (Friday)
Time : 3.00pm – 3.30pm
Venue : ZOOM Platform: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87337488858?pwd=WlcrZnR2cCtRU3JEZVZBUDg3RE1QZz09
Received By : YBhg. Encik Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia.
With regards to the above, we would like to extend a kind invitation to your organization to send media representatives. For further information please contact MR BASKARAN SITHAMPARAM, +60 19-578 9396
JEMPUTAN MEDIA: PENYERAHAN MEMORANDUM KEPADA BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA BERKENAAN ADUAN PENGGUNA TERHADAP INDUSTRI INSURANS
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JEMPUTAN MEDIA: PENYERAHAN MEMORANDUM KEPADA BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA BERKENAAN ADUAN PENGGUNA TERHADAP INDUSTRI INSURANS
Merujuk perkara di atas, Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA) dan Pusat Khidmat Aduan Pengguna Nasional (NCCC) akan menyerahkan Memorandum berkenaan ADUAN PENGGUNA TERHADAP INDUSTRI INSURANS kepada Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
Hampir setiap pengguna mempunyai beberapa jenisinsurans pada hari ini. Polisi insurans merangkumi aspek perumahan, kenderaan bermotor, wasiat, perubatan, kehidupan dan banyak lagi telah berkembang dalam pelbagai pakej yang disediakan oleh pihak insurans. Pengguna juga melabur dalam polisi perubatan kerana peningkatan penyakit berjangkit dan tidak berjangkit yang terus berkembang. Memiliki polisi insurans perubatan akan menjadi kelebihan tambahan kerana pemegang polisi mempunyai pilihan untuk mendapatkan rawatan atau rawatan perubatan di hospital swasta.
Walau pun begitu, industri insurans lebih terkenal sebagai pihak yang boleh memberi faedah atau penderitaan kepada pengguna. Terdapat banyak aduan telah disuarakan dan diajukan oleh pengguna kepada NCCC berkaitan dengan insurans. NCCC yang merupakan rakan kongsi kepada FOMCA telah dan berterusan memberi perhatian terhadap ketelusan prosedur industri insurans ketika menangani masalah dan isu pengguna. Oleh itu, memorandum ini bertujuan untuk ketengahkan beberapa jenis aduan yang berterusan daripada pengguna mengenai insurans dan beberapa cadangan untuk industri memberikan perkhidmatan dengan lebih baik untuk pengguna yang berpengetahuan.
Acara akan diadakan seperti yang berikut:
Tarikh : 16 Julai 2021 (Jumaat)
Masa : 3.00pm – 3.30pm
Platform talian : Aplikasi ZOOM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87337488858?pwd=WlcrZnR2cCtRU3JEZVZBUDg3RE 1QZz09
Diterima oleh : YBhg. Encik Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, Timbalan Gabenor Bank Negara Malaysia.
Merujuk perkara di atas, kami ingin menjemput pihak media sebagai wakil media daripada organisasi anda. Untuk maklumat lanjut sila hubungi ENCIK MR BASKARAN SITHAMPARAM, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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