AFTER HALAL, NON-HALAL WASTE BROUHAHA, MAYBE PORTS NEED SIMILAR DIVISIONS TO HANDLE LIVE HOG IMPORTS - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 17/08/2026

 

THE Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) has strongly opposed the proposal to transport/import live pigs through Port Klang over fear that such move poses a risk of environmental pollution and affects integrity of the halal supply chain.

The open management and swine handling operation in the port vicinity not only bring about pollution risks but also “glaringly touches on the sensitivities of Muslims, especially port workers and nearby residents”, according to the NGO’s chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan.

As such, PPIM has been made to understand that facial complaints have been submitted repeatedly to relevant authorities and agencies but no concrete action has been taken to date.

“The animal transfer process was seen as very dirty, unsystematic and did not follow strict sanitation standards,” lamented Nadzim who is often referred to as “Toqqi” in a recent statement.

“Among the most critical issues is the act of releasing sewage and waste from the animal transfer activity directly into the sea, thus posing a high contamination risk on the aquatic ecosystem around the port.”

Moreover, the integrity of the halal supply chain cannot be compromised, thus the aspects of cleanliness and halal assurance at Port Klang need to be given serious attention because it is one of the main entry points for the country’s trade that handles various goods and food products.

Unfortunately, the outcome of PPIM’s monitoring confirmed that the passage area and facilities used to move the pigs “were never cleansed (samak)” in accordance with Islamic law after the handling process was completed.

“This situation is very worrying because other halal food products are also sharing the same passage, facilities and equipment during the loading and unloading process,” observed Nadzim.

“This directly raises reasonable doubts about the integrity of the halal food supply chain passing through the said port.”

Only allow frozen pork

According to PPIM, the previous live pig import operation from Sarawak has caused severe odour pollution, hygiene concerns and prolonged discomfort.

Henceforth, attempts to revive such activity have not only brought back the threat of pollution but have sparked unrest among the Muslim community in Selangor.

On this note, PPIM has previously questioned the appropriateness of bringing in live animals from Sarawak when fresh chilled pork supplies from Thailand have been allowed to enter continuously.

If pork supplies from Sarawak are still needed, PPIM has suggested the following:

• Imports should be made in the form of processed or frozen meat instead of live animals. This method is safer, cleaner more organised and easier to control compared to live animals that carry the risk of disease and dirt.
• The Selangor state government must review appropriateness of the pig slaughterhouse operation in Rawang in line with the closure of pig farms throughout Selangor which is scheduled to be fully completed by July 2026.

Above all else, Malay language  news portal Sinar Harian reported that Nadzim also voiced PPIM’s backing to the the objections of the Port Klang Workers’ Association and surrounding residents against efforts to bring in the livestock through the port.

Therefore, PPIM has urged the Selangor state religious authorities, the state government and the Port Klang Authority (PKA) to take firm action to ensure that any efforts or consent to transport/import live pigs through the port are stopped.

“The rights and welfare of workers as well as surrounding residents must be protected by ensuring that aspects of harmony, public cleanliness and religious sensitivity continue to be maintained,” he asserted.

“The integrity of the halal chain and public cleanliness are consumer rights that must be defended and should not be compromised for the interests of certain parties.”

At the end of the day, if the Madani government truly wishes to satisfy both sides of the divide, perhaps the best way is – to cite this Johorean commenter – “Finally, we shall have halal and haram port”

This brings back to mind the practicality or environmental benefits of the Selangor state government in wanting organic waste to be separated into halal and non-halal categories?

As MCA Selangor Youth chief Tan Jie Sen pointed back in June, if such requirement is to be maintained, then the state government must explain how it improves waste management outcomes.

Does it increase recycling efficiency? Does it reduce treatment costs or environmental impact? If both categories ultimately enter the same waste treatment system, then the public is entitled to ask what purpose this additional layer of segregation serves.

The same logic applies to ports whereby it is generally not practical or economically viable to segregate seaport operations to an exclusive “halal-only” and “non-halal” sections.

Perhaps, a practical approach could be establishing halal-compliant zones, terminal, or specialised services (such as dedicated halal warehouses and designated handling protocols) within a multi-purpose, conventional port. – Aug 17, 2026

Article by: Focus Malaysia

AFTER HALAL, NON-HALAL WASTE BROUHAHA, MAYBE PORTS NEED SIMILAR DIVISIONS TO HANDLE LIVE HOG IMPORTS

https://focusmalaysia.my/after-halal-non-halal-waste-brouhaha-maybe-ports-need-similar-divisions-to-handle-live-hog-imports

"EXTEND GENERATION END GAME TO INCLUDE ALCOHOL, GAMBLING, FAST FOOD" - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 03/10/2022

 

THE Muslim Consumers Association Malaysia (PPIM) has urged the Government to implement the Generational End Game (GEG) on alcohol and gambling before banning cigarettes and vaping for future generations.

Moreover, PPIM also wanted to apply the same GEG argument to ban the sale of sugary drinks and ‘fast food’.

As an entity that champions the interest of Muslim consumers in Malaysia, PPIM said it wants the future generation of Malaysians – especially Muslims – not to know what alcohol and gambling are.

“We are an Islamic country. Gambling, nightclubs, massage parlours, alcohol and so on should not exist in our country. The Government should ban these first,” asserted PPIM chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan @ toqqi. “We know that all of these are forbidden in Islam but they still exist in this country.”

While the Health Ministry (MOH) is trying to make Malaysia the first country in the world to implement GEG by prohibiting those born after 2007 from buying, owning and smoking cigarettes or vape, Nadzim said it is awkward for the country which has a Muslim majority population not to ban alcohol and gambling.

Datuk Nadzim Johan

“We should ban all of these from future generations. If it is prohibited according to civil law through policies like this GEG, our country can truly be a Muslim country respected by the world,” he envisages.

“If the Government implements GEG for alcohol, gambling, nightclubs and so on, I am sure many Malaysians will support such measure regardless of race and religion.”

Nadzim stressed that the Government’s primary purpose in implementing GEG is to improve the people’s quality of life by reducing smoking-related diseases as well as the country’s health costs.

He said the same argument should also be used for diseases related to bad habits such as consumption of sugary drinks and fast food.

“The Health Minister cannot be partial and only focus on cigarettes and vaping. Malaysia has the highest rate of obesity and diabetes in Southeast Asia. The Government has to incur high cost from diseases stemming from sugary drinks and fast food,” justified Nadzim.

Based on the MOH’s National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, there are 3.9 million Malaysians with diabetes. This rate has increased from 13.4% in 2015 to 18.3% in 2019.

“This means that for every five Malaysians, there is one person who has diabetes. This rate is among the highest in Asia and the world,” Nadzim pointed out.

“The Health Minister needs to focus on this matter, too, in addition to only cigarettes and vape-related matters. GEG should also be used for fast food and sugary drinks based on the same argument which is for the well-being of the future generation of Malaysians.” – Oct 3, 2022

Article by: Focus Malaysia

"EXTEND GENERATION END GAME TO INCLUDE ALCOHOL, GAMBLING, FAST FOOD"

https://focusmalaysia.my/extend-generation-end-game-to-include-alcohol-gambling-fast-food/

NOT ENOUGH FOREIGN WORKERS, LOCALS NOT KEEN TO JOIN, SO 1.5K MAMAKS TO CLOSE - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 14/08/2022

AN EXPECTED 1,500 Indian-Muslim or mamak restaurants in the country are expected to close by the year-end as there are not enough foreign workers to man the eateries.

The difficulty in finding local workers to take on the role of foreign workers at these mamaks was attributed as another reason for the shuttering.

According to the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (PRESMA), 3,000 restaurant operators out of its 12,000 members have shut down since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 due to the lack of foreign workers entering the country.

“The lack of workers has had a major impact on the survival of the food service and restaurant industry since the ban on the entry of foreign workers was enforced,” PRESMA president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan told The Malaysian Reserve.

Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan (Photo credit: Harian Metro)

“Since the pandemic, in my chain of restaurants alone, more than 250 restaurant workers have returned to India and have not been able to re-enter the country.

“The mamak restaurant industry needs at least 30,000 more workers to fill vacancies across the country,” he reportedly said.

This comes amid the human resources ministry’s recent announcement that the application to hire foreign workers will be temporarily stopped from tomorrow to the end of the month to allow for a review of the application procedure.

Jawahar, meanwhile, urged the Government to extend the closure date for foreign worker recruitment until the end of October.

“Not enough time” 

He said the Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM), Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (Primas) and Malaysian Muslim Wholesalers and Retailers Association (Mawar) have not had enough time to recruit foreign workers.

The Government only announced last October that it would allow foreign workers back into the country after an almost 16-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Hardly 30% of the association members have received permission for foreign workers (recruitment), while the remaining 70% of applications are still in the system,” he added.

“There are quite a few new members who wish to apply for foreign workers, though they lack the required paperwork and it takes a while to compile such documents,” New Straits Times quoted him as saying. 

He said the Government’s temporarily two-week suspension for the recruitment application of migrant workers will have a big impact on restauranters like PRESMA as the labour shortage has not been resolved.

“Traders require the services of foreign workers, especially in the endemic phase,” he said. 

PPIM head activist Datuk Nadzim Johan, on the other hand, said the security control and cleaning industries have also been affected as a result of insufficient foreign workers.

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has since opposed the two-week suspension of the foreign worker application procedure, saying it would disrupt the current economic recovery by derailing the manpower planning of the industry. 

Earlier today, DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng called on Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan to “suspend himself and his officials for two weeks” instead of imposing unnecessary hardship on businesses by imposing the two-week suspension. — Aug 14, 2022

Article by: Focus Malaysia

NOT ENOUGH FOREIGN WORKERS, LOCALS NOT KEEN TO JOIN, SO 1.5K MAMAKS TO CLOSE

https://focusmalaysia.my/not-enough-foreign-workers-locals-not-keen-to-join-so-1-5k-mamaks-to-close/

IF MALAYSIA CAN BAN CIGARETTES, DO BAN ALCOHOL AND GAMBLING, TOO - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 22/06/2022

 

A RECENT survey carried out by the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) found that most Malaysians want the Government to ban the sale of alcohol, sugary drinks and gambling as well as prohibit the operation of nightclubs, pubs and karaoke joints.

The consumer group said these products and services are considered “bad” as smoking and vaping are bad for one’s health.

The respondents of the PPIM survey are right. It really isn’t rocket science and it is something the Government should seriously consider.

Putting an end to smoking and vaping is something that the Government is already pursuing through its “Generation End Game” plan which will see a ban on the sale of cigarettes and vape to individuals born after 2005.

This is something that takes a lot of political will and to the Government’s credit, it has not wavered in pushing for “Generation End Game”.

As such, it seems only natural that the Government should look to realise the aspirations of Malaysians where banning the sale of alcohol, sugary drinks, gambling and the operation of nightclubs and karaoke joints.

After all, why only ban one or two bad habits yet allows others to fester? We should not have double standards for bad habits.

If the Government is citing health reasons for banning smoking, then it must be noted there are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to alcohol consumption, including cancer, liver diseases and pancreatitis.

Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz

Similarly, sugary drinks are linked to obesity, Type 2 diabetes and risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Gambling, on the other, as PPIM argued, can plunge one into debt. One just needs to Google to see that it is not a far-fetched argument.

Detractors will say that it is a matter of moderation and that people should have complete freedom to do what they want. But who has to bear the cost and consequences of these bad habits? Society.

This is why I urge the Government to consider PPIM’s survey results. Understandably, the Government cannot and should not take a top-down approach but a more inclusive approach in the spirit of the Keluarga Malaysia concept.

Surely, there are also repercussions to consider, especially on the economy, in banning alcohol, sugary drinks and the operation of nightclubs. Somewhere and somehow down the line, someone’s rice bowl would be impacted.

This is why any plans to curb “bad habits” must be calculated and planned carefully.

However, that journey must start with the Government’s will and desire to ensure there are no “double standards” for bad habits. – June 22, 2022

Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz is the president of Pertubuhan Ummmah Muafakat Putrajaya.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.

Article by: Focus Malaysia

IF MALAYSIA CAN BAN CIGARETTES, DO BAN ALCOHOL AND GAMBLING, TOO

https://focusmalaysia.my/if-malaysia-can-ban-cigarettes-do-ban-alcohol-and-gambling-too/

ECONOMIC COST OF BANNING PRODUCTS/ACTIVITIES IN MALAYSIA CAN BE SEVERE - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 17/06/2022

 

PROHIBITING a product or service may trigger a severe economic cost as such action is very likely to encourage smuggling and underground/black market activities while lowering the accuracy of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) calculation as well as causing revenue loss.

The Finance Ministry has estimated Malaysia’s shadow economy making up 21% of the country’s GDP or RM300 bil as of 2019.

Such is the viewpoint of Universiti Malaya’s Department of Economics and Applied Statistics’ senior lecturer Dr Goh Lim Thye following a recent online survey by the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) to gauge public views on other negative habits of the future generation apart from smoking and vaping.

The findings show that 89% of the respondents wanted the Government to ban alcohol, 69% wanted the Government to ban the sale of sugary beverages, ban gambling (86%) and nightclubs, karaoke joints, and pubs from operating (79%).

“From 2010 to September 2021, the Government collected a total of RM20.11 bil in excise duty on liquor products with an average annual collection of RM1.68 bil while tobacco tax revenue is estimated to be more than RM5 bil per year or more than 3% of total tax receipts,” revealed Goh.

“Gaming taxes contribute approximately RM80 mil per week to the government with special draw taxes totalled RM113.29 mil in 2019 and RM72.53 mil in 2020 respectively.

“Although I agree that alcohol and gaming can lead to addiction and excessive consumption of cigarettes and sugary drinks are harmful to one’s health, the economic cost of prohibiting the aforementioned products/activities may be severe.”

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has announced that Malaysia would introduce a bold new law to ban smoking and possession of tobacco products – including vape – for people born after 2005 as part of a “generation endgame” for smoking in the country.

Dr Goh Lim Thye

A more sensible way to reduce or discourage consumption of those items and activities, according to Goh, is by raising awareness and educating the general public on how excessive and additive activities can be harmful to psychological and physical health.

In this regard, he suggested that policymakers consider raising the minimum drinking and smoking/vaping ages.

“Policy uncertainty is one of the many factors that could deter foreign direct investment (FDI). Policy uncertainty is associated with increased risk and capital cost, hence lowering investment,” explained Goh.

“As a result, policymakers must be cautious in dealing with the issue as competition for FDI is fierce in the region.”

Goh went on to urge policymakers to first focus on restoring the economy to pre-pandemic conditions. Even though Malaysia’s economic recovery is expected to accelerate, the country’s economy is still a long way from reaching 2019 levels.

“The unemployment rate, for example, remains high at 3.9% with about 649,300 people unemployed. Furthermore, Malaysia is experiencing food inflation, hence ay source of tax revenue collected could help vulnerable groups,” he justified.

For now, Goh said the primary focus should be on job creation and reducing income inequality while boosting economic growth.

According to the World Inequality Report 2022, the richest 10% of the global population currently receives 52% of global income while the poorest half of the population receives only 8.5%.

“Positive economic growth is meaningless if it only benefits the elites,” he concluded. – June 17, 2022

Article by: Focus Malaysia

ECONOMIC COST OF BANNING PRODUCTS/ACTIVITIES IN MALAYSIA CAN BE SEVERE

https://focusmalaysia.my/economic-cost-of-banning-products-activities-in-malaysia-can-be-severe/

SURVEY: "MOST M'SIANS WANT ALCOHOL, GAMBLING, NIGHTCLUBS BANNED" - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 08/06/2022

 

MORE calls for lifestyle-related bans seem to be in the pipeline for Malaysians after few so-called religious experts advised Muslims in the country against participating in the forthcoming Japanese ‘dancefest’ Bon Odori.

On top of the proposed smoking and vaping ban announced by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, an online survey conducted by a Muslim consumer group has urged for the Government to ban alcohol, gambling, bars, nightclubs, karaoke joints and the sale of sugary beverages as well.

The online survey by the Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia, (PPIM) which collated input from 1,259 respondents was carried out to gauge the views of the general public on other negative habits apart from smoking and vaping for future generations. However, PPIM did not divulge the background of its respondents.

It found that 89% of the respondents want the Government to ban alcohol while 69% want the Government to ban the sales of sugary beverages.

The survey also found that 86% of the respondents want the Government to ban gambling, while 79% want the Government to impose a ban on nightclubs, karaoke joints and pubs.

On the topic of the recently-announced plans to implement a ban on the sale of tobacco products including vape products to those born after 2005, PPIM chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said that the association does not agree with the Government’s plan to impose blanket bans on the sale and use of products for future generations, even though such proposals has good intentions.

Such bans could lead to other problems, including an increase in the sales of black-market items and other criminal activities, he opined.

In addition to difficulties in enforcing such bans, it would also burden the enforcement agencies and make criminals of consumers above the age of 18.

“We are also aware that other products and services have a negative impact on consumers. For example, alcohol can destroy a community, sugary drinks can affect one’s health and gambling can cause one to fall into debt,” Nadzim said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today (June 8).

“And if the Government is adamant about banning cigarettes and vape for health reasons, many have also made it clear that they want the Government to curb other negative habits for the coming generations.”

Article by: Focus Malaysia

SURVEY: "MOST M'SIANS WANT ALCOHOL, GAMBLING, NIGHTCLUBS BANNED"

https://focusmalaysia.my/survey-most-msians-want-alcohol-gambling-nightclubs-banned/

"RAKYAT FACING HARD TIMES NOW, GE15 CAN WAIT!" - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 08/06/2022

 

MANY are of the opinion that the Government should fully focus on efforts to govern the country and solve problems faced by the people instead of rushing to call for the 15th General Election (GE15).

Political analyst Dr Mazlan Ali said among the issues that the Government must pay attention to were the fall in the ringgit and inflation which have affected consumers and society as a whole.

Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia senior lecturer said the Government should make the most of the political stability achieved through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Transformation and Political Stability by making decisions that bring benefits to the people.

“The Government today can pass any bill in the interest of the people and the country…therefore, I do not see the need for an election,” he told Bernama.

Institute for Research and Development of Policy chief liaison officer Sheikh Khuzaifah Sheik Abu Bakar said there must be a strong reason for the Government to hold GE15 as the country was still facing various challenges such as rising prices of goods and efforts to control communicable diseases.

“All parties (the government) should now give their 100% focus to solving the country’s problems such as reviving the economy and so on. We should not waste time on political issues anymore because we have strayed from the track for many years,” he said.

Citing an example, Sheikh Khuzaifah said the Johor State Election should have not been held because for him there was no solid reason to do so.

“A lot of time and resources were spent to hold the state election,” he said.

Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said it was important for the Government to find the most suitable timing to hold GE15.

He said the people were very much hoping for the best and a change in government management in the current new normal environment.

Meanwhile, some members of the public also opposed to having GE15 in a rush as the people were still facing various challenges and difficulties in life.

A human resources officer at an oil and gas company who only wanted to be known as Ahmad, 25, said it was not necessary for now because elections are costly.

Sharing the same sentiment, executive manager at a private company, Zulkarlnain Haqiem Aziz, 32, said it would be better if the large expenditure incurred by the government to hold GE15 was used to help the people.

“The Government or the Opposition must first find ways to address problems faced by the people and ensure that their welfare is always protected before holding GE15,” he said.

The media previously reported that a total RM420 mil was spent by the Election Commission (EC) for the Johor, Sarawak, Melaka and Sabah elections.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said of the amount; RM130 mil were spent on holding the Sabah state election, Melaka polls (RM45 mil), Sarawak polls (RM149 mil) and Johor polls (RM96 mil). — June 8, 2022

Article by: Focus Malaysia

"RAKYAT FACING HARD TIMES NOW, GE15 CAN WAIT!"

https://focusmalaysia.my/ge15-can-wait-rakyat-hard-times-now-govt-told/

BELLA'S CASE: PROBE CIVIL SERVANTS WHO FAILED THE TEENAGER TOO NGO SAYS - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 17/04/2022

 

THE Government should establish a more comprehensive protocol and take stern action when it comes to dealing with welfare homes and orphanages.  

“The authorities should learn their lesson following Bella’s abuse case in the orphanage. We must ensure our civil servants no longer become derelict in their duties until another gets abused,” said Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia (PPIM) president Datuk Nadzim Johan, in a statement. 

Recently, the nation was shocked after it was found that Rumah Bonda founder, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali had been abusing Bella, a girl with Down Syndrome, who was placed under her care.  

It was said that Siti Bainun had been abusing Bella for almost four months, between March and June last year.  

During the court proceedings, disturbing details started emerging on how Bella was abused, where  she was scalded and her food was spiked with vinegar and chilli. 

The centre operator is currently facing trial under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years or a fine of RM50,000 or both, upon condition. 

Touching on the mater, Nadzim urged the authorities to not only focus their attention on Siti Bainun but also a host of others who failed in their duty to protect Bella.   

“For starters, the teenager was placed in a home which has no license. Who made the decision to do so? What was the welfare officer who was tasked to monitor Bella’s wellbeing doing all this while?  

“All these people must be investigated too as they have failed in their duty to protect Bella,” he stressed.  

Foresight needed  

Nadzim also reminded the public that apart from Bella, seven other children including babies had been sent for care at Rumah Bonda by the Welfare Department (JKM) before this.  

“So, stop pointing fingers at one another. Haul up all those who failed Bella including civil servants who put the kids there,” he added.  

On that note, the veteran consumer advocate lamented that the authorities were only investigating a crime just to close a case instead of working on a long-term plan as a deterrence.  

“What guarantee can the authorities, particularly JKM, give that such a crime will never happen again on other children by imprisoning one person? This is why we need some foresight and work on a comprehensive solution,” Nadzim remarked. – April 17, 2022

Article by: Focus Malaysia

BELLA'S CASE: PROBE CIVIL SERVANTS WHO FAILED THE TEENAGER TOO, NGO SAYS

https://focusmalaysia.my/bellas-case-probe-civil-servants-who-failed-the-teenager-too-ngo-says/

KUDOS TO PM FOR NOT MOVING WITH ACT 342 AMENDMENT, CONSUMER GROUP SAYS - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 20/03/2022

 

THE Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) lauded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s decision in not tabling the amendment to Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

“The amendment to Act 342 is cruel and doesn’t bring any good to the people and country. Anyone who oppresses the rakyat, we will ensure that they don’t return to be leaders of this country,” said PPIM president Datuk Nadzim Johan, in a statement.

Yesterday during the UMNO annual general assembly, Ismail Sabri announced that the Government would not table the amendment to Act 342 following public outcry that it would burden individuals and businesses suffering due to the pandemic triggered economic downturn.

Under the proposed amendment, the Government was planning to increase compounds for non-compliance to COVID-19 SOP from RM1,000 to RM10,000, with companies being fined up to RM 1 mil.

On that note, Nadzim stressed that the Government should not try to emulate foreign countries in determining the future direction of the country, particularly when it comes to public healthcare.

“Why should we let foreigners decide what is best for us when in Malaysia, we have many experts from diverse specialties who can advise the Government on public health matters especially on how to deal with COVID-19,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PPIM chief praised the Government’s effort for allowing another round of withdrawal from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to help those affected by the pandemic.

“I’m very grateful to the prime minister and wish him well for the efforts he has made.” – March 20, 2022

Article by: Focus Malaysia

KUDOS TO PM FOR NOT MOVING WITH ACT 342 AMENDMENT, CONSUMER GROUP SAYS

https://focusmalaysia.my/kudos-to-pm-for-not-moving-with-act-342-amendment-consumer-group-says/

11,000 FROZEN ACCOUNTS SAGA: THE 'MOTHER' OF CIMB'S TECHNICAL GLITCHES? - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 08/02/2022

 

CIMB BANK Bhd must be more proactive to look into ways and means to swiftly resolve the tendency of technical glitches of sorts plaguing both its online and physical banking platforms.

As recent as Jan 27, the bank said CIMB users would not be able to instantly transfer funds through its website and app for an indeterminate period due to issues caused by unusually high site traffic.

“We apologise to our customers for the interruption to the IBFT/Instant Transfer service on CIMB Clicks. Due to the unusually high traffic that we are currently experiencing, we have temporarily disabled the IBFT/Instant Transfer function,” CIMB said in a statement to The Star’s LifestyleTech.

Turn back the clock a little to Sept 13 last year and again, CIMB encountered major downtime with its Clicks, automated teller machines (ATMs), and cash deposit machines.

But both glitches were nowhere close to the latest incident whereby the bank came under heavy fire from two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for allegedly freezing 11,000 accounts without notifying the holders even when the problem was caused by the bank’s own processing error.

The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) and Agenda Reset Malaysia (ARM) warned that if the bank failed to address the problem in favour of the account holders, it would launch a campaign asking Malaysians to boycott the financial institution.

The so-called problem arose after an error by CIMB left accounts frozen and their holders in debt due to “excess amounts” credited by the bank into their accounts.

On Feb 3, the central bank told the Free Malaysia Today news portal that CIMB was now trying to recover the excess amounts credited to their customers.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said it had asked CIMB to ensure that whatever “recovery” measures it was taking would not burden its customers, especially those who were unaware that the excess money had flowed into their accounts.

It also said an investigation into this incident was currently in progress and that it would take appropriate supervisory and enforcement action (against CIMB) if warranted.

In its defence, CIMB said it merely put on hold monies that were accidentally deposited into some of its customers’ accounts while refuting that the accounts were frozen as claimed.

The bank further explained that a processing error resulted in the funds for the duplicate transactions being drawn from its own money, and not from the sender or the receiving customer.

“In line with the banking practice for such occurrences, we had placed a hold and earmarked the duplicate amount that was processed in order to recover the payments mistakenly made to the customers,” CIMB said in a statement.

“CIMB would like to reiterate that there was a processing error related to a specific third party financial remittance service that led to transfers made to our customers being accidentally processed twice.

“This resulted in affected customers receiving duplicate credits into their account, notably a duplicate transaction which effectively doubled the total amount of funds received by the customer.” – Feb 8, 2022

Article by: Focus Malaysia

11,000 FROZEN ACCOUNTS SAGA: THE 'MOTHER' OF CIMB'S TECHNICAL GLITCHES?

https://focusmalaysia.my/11000-frozen-accounts-saga-the-mother-of-cimbs-technical-glitches1/

6136) FLOOD: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND HELP THE PEOPLE , CONSUMER GROUP TELLS GOV'T - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 25/12/2021

 

IRATE with the ongoing blame game on the recent devastating flood, a Muslim consumer group called for the Government to take full responsibility over it and make amends.

“More that 30 people have lost their lives due to the tragedy. The Government must bear full responsibility for this.

“The authorities were not serious in providing early response to the victims. In fact, it should not have happened as the Meteorological Department had already issued prior warnings.

“The issue was also highlighted in the Parliament months ago but the Government did not follow up on it,” Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia (PPIM) president Datuk Nadzim Johan said, in a statement.

Last weekend, several parts of the Peninsula Malaysia were inundated with flood waters, leaving a trail of devastation not seen in years.

The authorities have reported 37 deaths so far, with 10 others still missing. The losses are estimated to run into billions and it may take a while for those affected to get back to their feet.

Since then, Government agencies have started pointing fingers at each other, with National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) getting criticised by many for its poor response.

However, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Abdul Latiff Ahmad, who heads the agency, deflected the blame, suggesting that dissolving NADMA and his resignation would not help to resolve the matter.

You failed, NADMA

Yesterday, Berita Harian reported Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man blaming the public for not taking weather forecast seriously.

On that note, Nadzim opined that if the Government had prepared itself earlier, the flood would not have caused that much damage to the public.

He added that NADMA also failed to act swiftly to help the public after the Klang Gate dam was opened to release excess water, which caused the flooding in Taman Sri Muda.

“The public was upset the authorities didn’t warn them that the Klang Gate dam water was being released. In fact, they were informed using only the social medial platform,” Nadzim noted.

He remarked: “Learn from this tragedy and be better prepared next time. I also urge the Government to do its best to ease the public from their suffering and do what is necessary.”

Article by: Focus Malaysia

FLOOD: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND HELP THE PEOPLE , CONSUMER GROUP TELLS GOV'T

https://focusmalaysia.my/flood-take-responsibility-and-help-the-people-consumer-group-tells-govt/

5919) HELP LEAD TAXI DRIVERS OUT OF THE LOW-INCOME TRAP - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 02/09/2021

 

THE Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) ought to be applauded for initiating its Golden Jubilee Caring Tour to distribute 900 food baskets nationwide to tourism industry players, especially those who contribute to it.

After handing out 200 food baskets to limousine and taxi drivers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on July 24, SOCSO made a similar visit to Penang International Airport (PIA) on August 27.

The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) and the Civil Defence Force were roped in for the distribution of food baskets, worth RM100 each, to members of the PIA Limousine and Taxi Association.

Its chairman Hafizi Ahmad told reporters that some of the 300 limousine taxi drivers at PIA have had their vehicles repossessed for failure to pay their monthly instalments due to severe reduction of income since the COVID-19 outbreak.

He disclosed that each driver could collect about RM200 in fares a day prior to the pandemic.

Now, some drivers could only get one or two trips a month, while others have had none for many months.

He urged representatives from the Transport Ministry to look into their plight and to engage with them soon.

He lamented that the authorities are oblivious to their sufferings and demanded for solutions as he believed that issues affecting them could be resolved.

But what can the Government do to help?

The answer is little or nothing as taxi drivers are not the only ones losing their livelihoods under prolonged lockdowns.

Unashamedly, they have been cry-babies for many years and politicians using them as pawns should also be blamed.

In February 2013, for example, Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin and Kuala Langat MP Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid were at KL Sentral to lend support after the Movement to Demand for Taxi Permits Malaysia announced plans to distribute 100,000 “We Want Permits” A3-size stickers.

This was because the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) had not issued any taxi permits since it began operations in January 2011 because the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) had earlier flooded the market with too many taxi permits.

There were 38,000 taxis operating in the Klang Valley alone when the optimum number should be 20,000.

Issuing more permits would further affect the livelihood of existing cabbies as they were without passengers most of the time due to the oversupply of taxis.

After Uber entered the Malaysian market in 2014 and forced MyTeksi to morph into Grab by adding private cars to taxis in its offering, I have been pointing out that traditional taxi drivers are fighting a losing battle against private cars that offer better service at lower fares.

Then, smart taxi drivers switched to e-hailing service, and they get to pick up passengers as long as there were no complaints, unlike many cab drivers that prefer to choose trips or fix fares, such as those at the Kelana Jaya LRT station and the Batu Tiga KTM Komuter station.

Taxi passengers switched over in droves to private cars resulting in repeated protests by groups of cabbies calling for action against e-hailing services but received few sympathies from the public while the authorities were laughing up their sleeves at the turn of events.

While training and enforcement on taxi drivers have little or no effect in changing their behaviours over the past decades, success was achieved virtually overnight using technology that keeps drivers on their toes as they are monitored and rated at the end of every trip.

Naturally, recalcitrant cabbies would have none of this, although they could earn much more by running many trips than just waiting indefinitely for passengers, which was already bad before this COVID-19 outbreak.

During prolonged lockdowns, taxi service is as good as dead.

Some taxi drivers refused to accept that the world does not owe them a living and they should just move on.

In the past, politicians gave them empty promises and false hopes. It may seem cruel to say no but leading them out of a low-income trap would have been better and kinder.

If they enjoy working seated behind the wheel, they could have upgraded their driving licence to heavy vehicles and easily find a job driving trailers that provide good and stable income, as most trailer drivers earn between RM5,000 to RM8,000 per month.

But too many taxi drivers are either too stubborn, lazy or undisciplined, and prefer to work whenever or wherever they like.

Sadly, the attitude of underemployed graduates is no better – they would rather work for a pittance instead of driving trailers and earning a decent income.

Article by: Focus Malaysia

HELP LEAD TAXI DRIVERS OUT OF THE LOW-INCOME TRAP

https://focusmalaysia.my/lead-taxi-drivers-out-of-low-income-trap/

5809) "WRONG MOVE": CONSUMER GROUP ON TABUNG HAJI COMING UNDER BNM PURVIEW - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 19/07/2021

 

THERE is no proper justification from the Government on why Tabung Haji (TH) needs to be parked under Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) purview, said Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia (PPIM).

“Who made the decision? Is it a political decision or financial one? As far as I’m concerned, I don’t see any reason to do so,” its president Datuk Nadzim Johan told FocusM.

Three days ago, Finance Ministry announced that TH will now come under BNM’s purview, as per Section 223 of the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013.

TH was riddled with financial issues for years, with its former chairperson Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim being hauled up to court on three corruption charges, in addition to 10 other charges of money laundering.

Yesterday, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Datuk A Kadir Jasin voiced out against the move, arguing that placing TH under BNM’s purview would cloud the institution’s founding purpose.

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak added that Government should set up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to probe TH first, before making decisions on such matters.

On that note, Nadzim stated that the Government should not treat TH like private banks, as both serve different objectives.

“BNM is about regulating banks. Just because TH deals with money, it doesn’t mean you can park it under a financial regulator.

“If that is the case, why not treat cooperatives like banks too? Clearly, the Cabinet erred big time by making this decision,” he opined.

Nadzim added the decision will have long-term ramifications on the hajj pilgrims’ funds, as BNM would treat TH like any other banks.

“TH is an independent investment company that invests in many sectors, unlike banks which are primarily about lending. It is a unique establishment, which has a specific law governing its administration.

“Right now, we are discussing with other non-governmental organisations (NGO) to deliberate on our next course of action following this shocking move,” he remarked. – July 19, 2021

Article by: Focus Malaysia

"WRONG MOVE": CONSUMER GROUP ON TABUNG HAJI COMING UNDER BNM PURVIEW

https://focusmalaysia.my/wrong-move-consumer-group-on-tabung-haji-coming-under-bnm-purview/

5721) ADAPT AND BE AGILE; CONSIDER USING IVERMECTIN TO TREAT COVID-19 PATIENTS - FOCUS MALAYSIA - 17/06/2021

 

THE Government should learn to adapt and find new strategies to contain COVID-19, following Istana Negara’s advise for the authorities to emulate measures undertaken in other countries.

“Reading between the lines, it’s obvious that Their Highnesses urged our Government to adapt and not be dogmatic in their approach.

“Therefore, we urged the Government to take note that several countries have started mass distribution of Ivermectin to help battle COVID-19, resulting in drastic reduction in infection cases,” Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan president Brigadier-General Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji said, in a statement.

Patriot and the Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia (PPIM) are proponents of the anti-parasite drug to be used as medication to treat COVID-19 patients.

Though the World Health Organization (WHO) had advised against it citing lack of proper proof and urged Ivermectin to be only used for clinical trial, many nations have embarked on its usage, with some success treating COVID-19 patients.

Brigadier-General Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji

For now, the Health Ministry (MOH) has started a clinical trial on the use of the drug, targeting COVID-19 patients above the age of 50, having at least one pre-existing condition.

Touching on the matter, Arshad said that the use of Ivermectin had shown positive results in 20 nations, with many others now trying to get their hands on the drug to treat COVID-19 patients.

“Patriot and PPIM had been in the forefront of Ivermectin advocacy, suggesting the drug be included alongside vaccines in the strategy to overcome COVID-19.

“We’re not alone but also backed by the doctors’ groups such as the Malaysian Association of Advancement of Functional & Interdisciplinary Medicine (MAAFIM), Society for the Advancement of Hormones and Healthy Aging Medicine, Malaysia (SAHAMM) and other civil society groups.

“The problem with our Government officials is that they treat the common people generally as uninformed and unknowing. These officials are wrong,” Arshad stated.

Reconvene Parliament now!

He stressed that his team were not anti-vaxxers, adding many of those advocating for the use of Ivermectin had got themselves vaccinated or at least, registered for it.

“However, we are firm in stating that the vaccines must be safe. MOH owes it to the people to ensure the safety of the vaccines. They must be aware of all scientific arguments.

“In short, they must be held accountable if they neglect to detect or suspect signals of danger that lead to future harm,” Arshad noted.

Meanwhile, Arshad lauded Istana Negara for their intervention on the state of Emergency by calling the Government to reconvene the Parliament soon.

“His Majesty has decreed that Parliament is to be convened as soon as possible. Anytime soonest, not in September or October.

“In my view, it should have been convened yesterday or last month. His Majesty had himself decreed on February 24 that Parliament can function as usual during Emergency,” he added.

Arshad stated: “Patriot had said on June 14 stated that our Government lacked transparency and sincerity in leading the people to combat the pandemic.

“Fighting this ‘invisible’ enemy cannot be done by labelling those who differ in their views as conspiracy theorists.” – June 17, 2021.

Article by: Focus Malaysia

ADAPT AND BE AGILE; CONSIDER USING IVERMECTIN TO TREAT COVID-19 PATIENTS

https://focusmalaysia.my/adapt-and-be-agile-consider-using-ivermectin-to-treat-covid-19-patients/