THE Ministry of Transport and the Land Public Transport Agency have been urged to abolish fare bargaining practices in the e-hailing industry and to introduce a regulated minimum fare to ensure fairness across the sector.
The Malaysian Islamic Consumers Association (PPIM) said that while fare negotiation may appear to benefit consumers, the welfare and income sustainability of e-hailing drivers must not be overlooked.
“It is extremely confusing and inconsistent when taxi services are prohibited from bargaining fares, yet e-hailing services are allowed to do so, even though the Transport Minister himself has previously stated that the ministry has never permitted fare bargaining systems to operate in Malaysia,” the association said in a statement today.
“Therefore, the ministry and APAD should formulate policies that are fair, balanced and comprehensive for the entire e-hailing gig economy ecosystem, encompassing users, drivers and e-hailing service providers, without favouring any particular party,” it added.
According to the association, the decline in fare rates has become increasingly critical and difficult to control since the introduction of bidding-based fare systems in Malaysia. It said the situation has placed mounting pressure on drivers’ earnings and poses a risk to the long-term sustainability of the industry.
“PPIM stresses that e-hailing service providers should compete in a healthy manner by improving service quality, rather than through price wars that ultimately turn drivers into victims,” it said.
On December 23, APAD said in a statement that the government does not regulate fare policies for e-hailing services, with pricing determined instead by supply and demand dynamics.
APAD explained that e-hailing operates as part of the gig economy, functioning as an open market in which company operations may differ from one provider to another.
Under APAD’s licensing conditions, licence holders are required to ensure that drivers do not negotiate fares after successfully securing a booking, and instead provide services based strictly on the confirmed booking received.
The Ministry of Transport is currently conducting a Public Transport Strategic Plan study, which includes an assessment of whether regulating e-hailing fares is appropriate. The findings of the proposed minimum fare study will be presented for further consideration. - December 31, 2025
Article by: The Vibes
CONSUMER GROUP URGES END TO FARE BARGAINING IN E-HAILING, CALLS FOR MINIMUM FARE REGULATION
THE Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) has called on the authorities to investigate the Muslim Friendly Watch (MFW) group for introducing terms such as ‘Muslim choice’ and ‘Muslim friendly’, which it said could confuse the public, particularly Muslim consumers.
PPIM’s Chief Activist, Datuk Nadzim Johan, said the move by the group was “clearly misleading” and could compromise the integrity of Malaysia’s internationally recognised halal certification system.
“The halal recognition of any product or premises is extremely important and cannot be compromised. If everyone were allowed to freely issue their own Muslim-friendly endorsements that imply halal status, PPIM could have done so long ago,” he said when contacted by Harian Metro.
“Instead, halal certification must be overseen by one authority, namely the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). What MFW has done could damage the reputation and integrity of Malaysia’s Halal Certification System, which is internationally recognised,” he added.
His remarks followed social media posts showing ‘Muslim friendly’ and ‘Muslim choice’ logos allegedly issued by a non-governmental organisation, which have caused confusion among consumers.
Nadzim warned that the use of such logos not only misleads the public but could also be exploited by irresponsible parties.
“If this issue is not addressed seriously, it will continue and lead to negative consequences. The public must be educated on the importance of ensuring that premises or products have valid halal certificates,” he said.
He urged the government, through JAKIM and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), to take firm action against those responsible.
Yesterday, JAKIM issued a statement clarifying that terms such as ‘Muslim choice’ introduced by any organisation do not constitute an officially recognised halal certification.
Its Director-General, Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, said the labelling initiative by MFW could mislead the public regarding the halal status of products or premises.
He explained that MFW claimed its ‘Muslim choice’ rating aimed to assure Muslim consumers that listed products or establishments were “quality, clean, safe and in line with Islamic principles.”
Sirajuddin said JAKIM had previously met MFW on 23 August last year and informed the organisation that its endorsement could create public confusion.
“During that meeting, JAKIM also requested that MFW cease such activities,” he said. - November 3, 2025
Article by: The Vibes
PPIM URGES PROBE INTO GROUP BEHIND 'MUSLIM CHOICE' LABEL OVER PUBLIC CONFUSION
A 14-YEAR-old female student allegedly suffered serious emotional distress including suicidal tendencies after repeatedly being bullied at a secondary school in Hulu Langat, Selangor.
According to her mother, Nurul Afeeza Mohd Tarmedi, 31, her daughter told her about the bullying several times since she moved to the school last July, but the problem had never been resolved despite complaints to the school.
The housewife said her daughter was bullied by several students as early as the second day she entered the school after she transferred from a school in Kedah.
“She told me that he had been teased and ostracized by several students. I have informed the disciplinary teacher, but this case has continued to recur.
“On Friday, September 12 before the school holidays, she was once again teased and harassed. I started to notice that his condition was getting worse when she sat in his room and drew strange pictures,” she said during a press conference at the Malaysian Islamic Consumers Association (PPIM) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, today.
According to reports in Kosmo! Nurul Afeeza added that her daughter's drawings included dark images and symbols of stress that showed depression, and some even depicted the idea of ending her life.
"I was surprised when she wrote 'I'm stressed, tired and irritable'. She admitted to feeling irritable because she was being teased and ostracized every day. I didn't think this bullying would reach the point where my girl wanted to hurt herself.
"However, this matter didn't stop there when another of my children informed me that my girl had cut her hand and when I checked, there were indeed several cuts on her left wrist," she said.
She said that the PPIM had helped the teenager to get psychiatric help and the tests found that the student involved showed a very high emotional score and symptoms of depression that were at risk of a level one suicide attempt.
PPIM Advisory Panel, Prof. Dr. Mohd Sahandri Gani Hamzah informed that experts also confirmed that the victim faced continuous bullying, including verbal taunts, slander, and social isolation which had a profound impact on her mental health.
Form Two student in Mantin afraid to attend school
Also experiencing the same fate was a form two student at a school in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan who was also a victim of bullying to the point that she was afraid to attend school.
The victim's sister, Siti Wan Norasyirah, 24, said that her sister suffered severe trauma after being a victim of bullying to the point that she was hit in the face with a glass bottle and her headscarf was pulled.
"The incident occurred on August 20 during the co-curricular break after a minor disagreement.
"The bully accused my sister of trying to 'kidnap' her friend and boyfriend. Because of that trivial matter, my sister was kicked in the back, her headscarf was pulled until her hair and neck were visible, before her face was hit with a glass water bottle," she said.
Even more surprising, she said, was that the school only resolved the case in the counseling room by asking the bully to apologize, without informing the parents or the school principal. - September 23, 2024
Article by: The Vibes
BULLY VICTIM BEGAN DRAWING STRANGE MONSTERS, CUT HERSELF, SAYS MOTHER
THE Muslim Consumers Association (Ppim) has urged Jakim to provide clear explanations regarding the halal certification issue to prevent misunderstandings.
Lead activist Datuk Nadzim Johan stated that a lack of understanding on the matter could lead to misinformation and potentially anger the public.
"The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) must offer a detailed explanation to ensure that everyone is informed," he said during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Nadzim added that Jakim should engage with relevant parties to clarify the issue directly.
"I believe they would be able to accept it once they understand the situation," he said.
His comments follow the questioning of Seputeh MP Teresa Kok by Bukit Aman police over remarks suggesting that mandatory halal certification for restaurants could place an undue burden on businesses.
The DAP vice-chairperson is being investigated for touching on sensitive matters related to race, religion, and royalty.
"Ppim also received complaints regarding Kok's statement. This issue could have been avoided if she had been properly informed and raised her concerns through the appropriate channels," Nadzim concluded. – September 11, 2024.
KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s government must study the impact of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on farmers, fishermen and food producers, a food security group said.
The Malaysia Food Sovereignty Forum (MFSF), led by its coordinator Nurfitri Amir Muhammad, met with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu earlier today and called for a reassessment of the trade agreement given its purported negative impact on agricultural players.
The group also handed over a memorandum to Mohamad and had a brief meeting with him, media reported.
Among the MFSF’s concerns about the CPTPP are how it prevents farmers from selling and planting their own seeds, while the price of fertilisers and pesticides are also expected to increase due to clauses in the trade agreement that will grant big companies exclusive rights over production of agriculture inputs.
Mohamad, in response, said he would raise MFSF’s concerns with the cabinet.
Malaysia ratified the CPTPP on September 30 after first signing it in 2018. Opinion is divided on the trade pact – some argue it will boost trade and provide greater access to certain markets, while others say it will hurt local food producers and Malaysia’s long-term food security.
The CPTPP will also see the 100% removal of tariffs on imported goods including agricultural products – Nurfitri previously said this will cause Malaysia to see an increase in imports. With those tariffs gone, there would be no more protection for local farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen and food producers, who will not be able to compete, he wrote.
Article by: The Vibes
CONSIDER CPTPP'S IMPACT ON FARMERS, FISHERMEN, GROUP TELLS MAT SABU
KUALA LUMPUR – The government has been urged to take urgent action to curb the activities of meat suppliers in Australia who allegedly prepare flesh products that have not been prepared in accordance with halal slaughter procedures.
Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) president Datuk Nadzim Johan said issues relating to halal food must be taken care of immediately, and the authorities should not delay their investigations.
“This problem has been around for a long time, and we have brought it up with the authorities. However, Jakim (Malaysian Islamic Affairs Department) has not proposed a solution.
“This issue affects Muslims in general as it will cause doubts among them when purchasing any products, especially food,” he said at a press conference here today.
Nadzim also took Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad to task for the delay in tackling the issue.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Social Justice Party (Pekemas) president Faizan Mohamed said that the authorities have ignored the issue of halal slaughtering even though it has been raised repeatedly.
“The religious affairs minister is not firm and makes excuses about solving this issue even though this matter is under his authority.
“Malaysians have their right as taxpayers to demand that the minister perform his job well, and in this case, the minister and related agencies should open their eyes and take firm action,” he said.
Faizan added that PPIM and other NGOs have tried to fight against halal slaughter syndicates, but their efforts have been fruitless as the authorities have not cooperated.
Datuk Haji Mohd Fakrunizam, chairman of the Anti-Discrimination and Misconduct Organisation, claimed that the problem is still prevalent due to the lack of administrative transparency by related parties on food status.
He added that the NGOs are preparing a memorandum to the prime minister on the matter.
Also present were Sahabat 99 representative Vincenzo Focarelli, Persatuan Perkip’s Masridzi Sat, and Persatuan Pertubuhan Produk Ummah Malaysia’s Razali Latin.
In May, PPIM, Pekemas, and Sahabat 99 alleged there were violations of standard operating procedures regarding halal slaughtering by a company in Australia that had received approval from Jakim, based on video evidence and photos attested to by workers at the company.
Article by: The Vibes
GOVT MUST ACT TO CURB HALAL MEAT SYNDICATES IN AUSTRALIA: NGOS
KUALA LUMPUR – Authorities have rescinded the eviction order against the Kebun-Kebun Bangsar (KKB) community garden following a meeting with its stakeholders today.
KKB shared the news of the lifting of the eviction on its Facebook page this afternoon with a photograph of those who attended the meeting organised by City Hall (DBKL).
“Eviction order rescinded,” the caption of the image read.
“Kebun-Kebun Bangsar business as usual.
Among those seen in the photograph are KKB co-founder and landscape architect Ng Seksan, Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil, and Malaysian Muslim Consumers’ Association chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan, among others.
In a statement, DBKL’s media unit of its Corporate Planning department said that the garden was an “exemplary project” that used TNB’s reserve land and should be lauded if it abided by rules and regulations.
“The garden has also received much support from the media and the public for carrying out agricultural education to visitors who could see a variety of plants and herbs.”
“The garden has also received various grants from Khazanah Nasional and ThinkCity under a good ‘placemaking’ initiative.”
DBKL also said that the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office had approved the TOL in a letter dated June 28.
It added that the meeting chaired by DBKL’s Executive Planning Director today saw the authorities informing the garden's operators and other stakeholders of the latest decision, as well as its inclusion in the local agenda.
DBKL also said the activities in the garden would continue to be monitored by the relevant authorities.
On Twitter, Fahmi said DBKL has informed the stakeholders that the Lands and Mines Department had given the garden’s operators a Temporary Occupancy Licence to carry out its activities on the plot of land belonging to Tenaga Nasional Bhd.
“DBKL will re-list Kebun-Kebun Bangsar under the (government’s) Local Agenda,” Fahmi said.
“Kebun-Kebun Bangsar will be allowed to continue to operate.”
Two weeks ago, the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office issued its final eviction notice to the famed Kebun-Kebun Bangsar community garden, citing alleged violation of its TOL.
Its director Datuk Muhammad Yasir Yahya said although the government supported such community activities, the operators of Kebun-Kebun Bangsar had failed to comply with conditions set under the TOL.
Furthermore, Yasir had highlighted the grouses of residents in the vicinity, who lodged verbal and written complaints about nuisances caused by farm animals being reared at the garden-turned-farm and within a residential zone.
The director, responding to posts about the eviction on social media, said the agency was forced to take action against Kebun-Kebun Bangsar, as the TOL was meant for the operation of a nursery.
Yasir also noted that the operator of Kebun-Kebun Bangsar had been repeatedly told to remove the farm animals – including chickens, ducks, and cows – from the site, but had ignored the instructions.
Article by: The Vibes
[UPADATED] BUSINESS AS USUAL: AUTHORITIES RESCIND EVICTION ORDER AGAINST KEBUN-KEBUN BANGSAR
KUANTAN – Aside from having
to contend with “cartels” controlling prices and supply of fish, local
fishermen are now alleging that government agencies are acting as middlemen to
ease licence applications by foreign nationals, especially Vietnamese.
A fisherman who wants to be known as Sham, 51, told Getaran
that the issue is nothing new as locals are allegedly sidelined by government
agencies and foreign fishermen immune from prosecution.
“We initially found it strange that despite enforcement and
arrests by the Maritime Enforcement Agency, foreign fishermen seemed immune
from the law. When we take action to investigate, apparently, they have fishing
licences from Malaysia.
“We found that there are government agencies allegedly
acting as middlemen or agents to facilitate foreign fishermen, especially from
Vietnam, to get licences. How can this happen?” he told The Vibes’ sister
portal.
He said such actions will only affect local fishermen if
left unchecked.
“If this continues and marine resources are depleted due to
greed and abuse of power, we should not be blamed for this. As it is, we are
worried about our dwindling catch.”
He said the government should take this seriously and mete
out heavier punishment to officials found to be abusing their power.
“The government needs to create licences that have stricter
security features, such as the ones used for road tax. Don’t forget, agencies
involved in issuing licences need to be investigated by the government,
especially the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.”
Meanwhile, fisherman Yaakob, 41, said foreign fishermen are
not afraid to trespass Malaysian waters to fish despite enforcement patrols.
He said sometimes foreign boats are seen less than 10
nautical miles from the Malaysian coast and often seen to be using prohibited
trawls and nets that will destroy marine habitats.
“They don’t care as long as they get their catch. But the
losers will be the local fishermen. Even now, certain seafood items are hard to
find. This is very troubling.”
Earlier, Getaran reported that Malaysian Muslim Consumers’ Association president Datuk Nadzim Johan alleged the existence of cartels in the peninsula, and they were to blame for the shortage in seafood. He said supply had been decreasing since 2015 and blamed the government for letting the problem persist.
Article by: The Vibes
LOCAL FISHERMEN ALLEGE GOVT AGENCIES ACTING AS MIDDLEMEN, AIDINGG FOREIGN FISHERMEN LICENCE APPLICATIONS
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia
is better off without a government if those in power are unable to protect the
interests of the rakyat, said a consumer rights activist, as public backlash
continues to mount against e-hailing service Grab over its soaring fares.
Malaysian Muslim Consumers’ Association chief activist
Datuk Nadzim Johan said that while he agrees with the general concept of a free
market, this would be rendered pointless if the prices of goods and services
continued to surge.
He said it is during times like this that government
intervention is extremely needed, particularly as inflation continues to take
its toll on the public amid the country’s transition into endemicity.
“A free market is supposed to ensure prices remain
competitive among all players. But this is not happening. Grab fares are
soaring,” he told The Vibes today.
“When the situation is out of control like it is today,
then it is only right for the government to act. The whole point of having a
minister and a government is to intervene when necessary. Otherwise, it is
better not to have one.
“If they keep on harping on the free market, then what’s
the point of a government? This is why I am baffled. It seems they are taking
the easy way out. If this is the case, we don’t need a minister.”
Nadzim was commenting on a statement from Transport
Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong this morning that said e-hailing
fares will remain unregulated, despite overwhelming public
dissatisfaction over the issue of late.
Wee said operators are permitted to set their own fare
structures and terms of services with their consumers in a free market.
He also attributed the fare surge to a supply-and-demand
imbalance and high traffic volume, as well as a decline in registered drivers
compared to the pre-pandemic period.
In recent weeks, there have been numerous complaints from
the public claiming that Grab fares have almost doubled even during regular hours,
with checks conducted by The Vibes also showing that charges
were significantly higher even compared to other less popular
options like MyCar and AirAsia ride.
An industry insider had suggested that the newer services
could be subsidising the fares to drive up their number of users, hence the
lower fares.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations deputy
president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said that the approach taken by the
government (not to regulate fares) is the right one, as this would encourage
competition and ultimately ensure better prices for the public.
Asked why fares charged by Grab are then much higher than
its competitors, Yusof said this could be due to its current dominance of the
market.
“Regardless, I believe an open market will lead to healthy
competition. Although Grab is perceived to be monopolising the industry, more players
can enter and compete on the fares,” he said.
He also suggested users try out alternative services if
they felt Grab prices are unreasonable, noting the abundance of options
available in the market today.
According to Wee, there are presently 21 licensed e-hailing
services operating nationwide.
“The consumers have a choice. If you feel taxi fares are
cheaper, then go for it. There are also so many different e-hailing services.
So make your own comparison,” he said. – The Vibes, May 24, 2022
Article by: The Vibes
BETTER NOT TO HAVE GOVT, ACTIVIST SLAMS PUTRAJAYA'S REFUSAL TO REGULATE E-HAILING FARES
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s lower-income groups would be further left behind in the digital divide if access requirements to 5G broadband are financially higher than the current 4G spectrum, said consumer advocates.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers’ Associations (Fomca) chief executive Saravanan Thambirajah said this is why the country’s telecommunications providers must offer the cheapest rates and packages possible, as the majority of Malaysians are wage-earners who are struggling with the rising cost of living.
On average, Malaysians pay about RM2 per gigabyte of 4G broadband data, while mobile network operators (MNOs) maintain the current generation network at between 45 sen and 55 sen per gigabyte.
However, the 5G cost per gigabyte proposed by government-run single wholesale network provider, Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), is substantially lower, as it is capped at around 20 sen per gigabyte or less.
“If you look at the population, you will find that most mobile users are pre-paid users because they prefer not to make monthly commitments,” Saravanan told The Vibes when contacted recently.
“They (pre-paid) users have more of a ‘pay-as-you-use’ approach to using mobile data, but they consequently end up paying more money for a less amount of data.”
Federation of Malaysian Consumers’ Associations chief executive Saravanan Thambirajah says the country’s telecommunications providers must offer the cheapest rates and packages possible, as the majority of Malaysians are wage-earners who are struggling with the rising cost of living. – Pic courtesy of Saravanan Thambirajah, February 3, 2022
Saravanan was asked about the effects of the pricing of 5G services in the mass market as the country begins to roll out the new technology and amid a tussle between MNOs and the government over whether DNB should be the sole infrastructure provider.
Taking into account inflation and the increase of prices for other necessities such as food, Saravanan said the B40 group and those in the middle-income bracket are coping with the economic hardships brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, he said that with the prices of 5G-enabled smartphone devices still off-limits to much of the nation’s poor and middle-class segments, only the well-heeled customers from the T20 group will be able to enjoy the much faster mobile broadband speeds.
“Many of these devices are purchased via credit or instalments. And this would put a strain on the monthly expenditure of households,” Saravanan said.
We can only see the uptake of 5G subscription once it properly rolls out, but at the current rate, it may take up to four to five years they (low-income earners) can be able to adopt 5G.”
Unlikely for telco consortium to match DNB’s rate, analysts say
Analysts had earlier suggested that it is not possible for the dual wholesale network mooted by MNOs to match DNB’s 20 sen or less per gigabyte guarantee.
This is because DNB, as a government-run company, operates on a non-profit basis, allowing it to sell data almost at a cost price.
However, the analysts noted that a consortium made up of Maxis Bhd, DiGi Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, and Axiata Bhd have been silent on the charges to be passed on to consumers.
They said it was unlikely the companies could match DNB’s offering, as they need to invest heavily in infrastructure.
During a talk titled “5G: What Is The Best Way Forward for Malaysia?” organised by Universiti Malaya’s Computer Association recently, Jaring CEO Datuk Mohamed Awang Lah – affectionately known as the “father of Malaysian internet” – said the country’s overall savings in 5G technology investment would increase if the MNOs shared infrastructure.
Mohamed noted that telcos, which are profit-driven companies, can remain competitive and innovative despite sharing “passive” infrastructure such as communications towers and fibre optic cabling.
The internet pioneer also noted that this would benefit users in rural and less populated areas where the telcos were less-inclined to service.
Prioritise consumers’ needs before telcos, activist urges govt
Meanwhile, Malaysian Muslim Consumers’ Association chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan echoed Saravanan’s view, saying the government must put the needs of consumers before the telcos.
He said this is because the companies are already raking in billions in profits annually, while the consumers tend to be “oppressed” and are at the mercy of the services provided, whether good or bad.
“Sometimes our phone lines are cut off and you do not even hear anything.
“The government must ensure that the reasons behind (telcos) wanting to build their own (5G) lines are not based on greed.
“Otherwise, things might be even better off in (less-developed) Bangladesh,” he told The Vibes when contacted.
Malaysian Muslim Consumers’ Association chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan says the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, as the relevant regulatory body, must ensure that telcos are accountable and fined for any offences. – Bernama pic, February 3, 2022
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), as the relevant regulatory body, he added, “must set the tone” as the telcos are answerable to the government.
“The Communications and Multimedia Ministry must also always be on the side of the consumers (when making such decisions).”
Nadzim also said the MCMC, which issues operating licences for mobile communications, must ensure that telcos are accountable and fined for any offences.
They (telcos) can be irresponsible at times, when agents sell lines belonging to people who have left the country. And this leads to ‘mule’ accounts that scammers use to dupe people,” he said.
“Even if they bought 5G data from DNB at 20 sen, how do we know of the charges to be paid by consumers?
“As it is, they are charging RM2 and doing as they please, while the consumers are the ones affected by these measures.
“And why make new towers when they can be shared? It does not make sense.”
Article by: The Vibes
DIGITAL DIVIDE COULD WIDEN IF 5G DATA COSTS MORE THAN 4G, CONSUMER GROUPS WARN
KUALA LUMPUR – In light of a recent incident that saw Bank Muamalat drawing flak over allegations of rejecting cheques for being non-halal, Malaysian Digital Economy Consumer Association secretary Shaani Abdullah says it is important for there to be a distinction between religion and organisation.
Speaking to the Vibes, Shaani explained that the law has already settled that companies cannot be Muslim.
Organisations can’t be Muslim; they don’t recite the shahadah to become Muslim.
“So, there’s no question for companies with regard to something being halal or non-halal,” Shaani said when contacted.
Even services, he says, cannot be categorised as halal or otherwise. Instead, they are either shariah-compliant or not.
Earlier yesterday, Bank Muamalat senior vice-president Muhamad Radzuan Ab Rahman held a press conference to address the allegations against the financial institution.
He suggested that earlier reports stating that the bank rejected a cheque for being non-halal are just a misunderstanding, and the financial instrument bounced due to technical issues.
Shaani said it was a good move by the bank to address the issue head-on and clarify the misunderstanding.
They have to clarify if it’s a misunderstanding. When things are misreported, people actually misunderstand, given that they assume organisations can be Muslim.
“But entities can’t have a religion; this must be understood,” Shaani said.
Additionally, given Bank Muamalat’s explanation that the cheques initially bounced due to an issue concerning the payee’s name not tallying with its system, Shaani said perhaps the bank could make things easier for clients.
He said in the event of such errors, if the bank account number does match the misspelled name, the bank could still accept the cheque.
“At this time, people actually need money in the form of donations.
“By speeding up this process, the bank would win goodwill, as opposed to the contrary,” Shaani said.
Meanwhile, Muslim Consumers Association chairman Nadzim Johan said unnecessary misunderstandings such as this one risk creating equally unnecessary mistrust among the public.
Thus, he praised Bank Muamalat for swiftly clarifying the matter.
Furthermore, given the fact that the cheque was initially issued as a donation to beautify a Chinese cemetery, Nadzim said there should not have been any problems in the first place.
“Over the past 25 years being part of NGOs and volunteering, I have never heard of such a thing.
“This issue merely involves a transaction in the form of a contribution. In Islam, if it’s in public interest, it is fine,” Nadzim told The Vibes.
Article by: The Vibes
'COMPANIES CAN'T BE MUSLIM, SO HOW CAN CHEQUES BE HALAL?'
KUALA LUMPUR – Activists and human rights groups are blaming private companies and syndicates for being hubs of human trafficking activities.
In a press conference yesterday, Malaysian Muslim Consumers’ Association (PPIM) president Datuk Nadzim Johan alleged the long-time existence of such syndicates.
“Since 1990, these syndicates have been bringing in foreign workers and prioritising profit over the welfare of these workers and the interests of the employers,” Nadzim said, adding that the syndicates operate by using local companies with local shareholders as a camouflage.
“These syndicates have raked in billions in profit and have caused the country to lose out in terms of tax collections.”
The PPIM activist also claimed that deals are conducted between local private companies and foreign syndicates where an amount of RM15,000 to RM20,000 per worker is paid for them to work in Malaysia.
These private companies have developed systems connected to the Home Ministry and the Immigration Department to bring in foreign workers.
“While they (private companies) might appear to be aiding the government in bringing in foreign labour, they actually reap profits worth millions of ringgit from the workers’ countries of origin,” he said.
The damning 2021 Trafficking in Persons report released by the United States on July 2, which downgraded Malaysia to the lowest rung, was also referenced during the press conference.
The report stated that Malaysia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, even considering the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity.
Nadzim urged the government and relevant ministries to play their part and take action against irresponsible parties whose actions have caused Malaysia to garner international infamy as a human trafficking hub.
Also present at the press conference was Anti-discrimination and Misconduct Organisation (Pertubuhan Anti-diskriminasi dan Salah Laku) chairman Datuk Haji Mohd Fakrunizam who called on the Home Ministry and Human Resources Ministry to strengthen the enforcement of their policies.
“What we are facing now is a form of modern slavery that the government must look into for the sake of all stakeholders involved,” said Fakrunizam, adding that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission should investigate allegations of misconduct leading to the exploitation of foreign labourers.
Fakrunizam also suggested that the government make use of foreign workers who are already in the country by renewing their permits instead of focusing efforts on bringing in more of them.
Article by: The Vibes
SYNDICATES USING LOCAL COMPANIES AS CAMOUFLAGE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING: ACTIVIST
