Sunday, September 28, 2008
Making food safe
Sunday September 28, 2008
Making food safe
By HARIATI AZIZAN
AS fears surrounding melamine-tainted milk from China continue to grow worldwide, Malaysian hypermarkets are doing their best to ensure that their products are safe for consumers.
One thing that these stores did immediately was to remove all suspected milk and milk-based products from China off the shelves.
Spokesperson for AEON Co (M) Bhd which operates Jusco Stores and MaxValu supermarket in Malaysia, Zakimarhaini Mohd Said, says that they are updating all their outlets with the latest information on what is safe to be consumed as provided by the Health Ministry.
“We have been monitoring the issue since it first broke out in China. To ensure that all our products are safe, we have taken other made-in-China confectionery such as chocolates and candy off our shelves, as well as those containing milk from unknown sources. This is a preventive measure aimed at safeguarding consumers,” she says.
Playing it safe: Zakimarhaini showing the letters of assurance from distributors and the Health Ministry on the safety of individual products. She adds they have sent the said items for testing at the ministry, and these products will only be put back on the shelves once the ministry verifies that they are safe to be consumed.
Approximately 30 products have been removed from the shelves at all branches of Jusco Stores, she says.
There will be information for consumers, especially at the milk-based product section, that their products are not contaminated and safe to be consumed, she says.
“For assurance and more information, the customer can refer to our service counter to check the letters from the distributor or Health Ministry,” she says.
Carrefour Malaysia has also pulled several products from its shelves, its public relations and CSR director Ras Adiba Radzi said.
“We have taken every precaution, and our sales is as per normal, increasing, in fact, due to last-minute shopping for the upcoming Raya celebrations. Many of our consumers come in having done their own research and are aware of which products are safe to consume,” she was reported as saying.
Tesco Stores Malaysia reported that while there have been many questions from the media, they have had none from their consumers. As corporate and legal affairs director Azlam Shah Alias pointed out earlier to the media, Tesco had moved to recheck all their milk and dairy products since the scandal broke two weeks ago in China.
“We checked with our suppliers and asked for proof that their products were safe from contamination. Those that could not have had their products removed from the shelves,” he was quoted as saying.
He stressed that the safety and quality of their products are of utmost importance and Tesco will adhere to any advice given by the ministry.
Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad (Mydin) head office spokesperson meanwhile states that it was not a major issue for them as the majority of the products they stock do not contain raw materials from China.
“They are mostly sourced from Europe. In addition, they are processed locally and this applies to many of the major brands such as Dutch Lady and Nestle,” he says.
National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC) chief executive and Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah, however, argues that claims of “not importing from China” and “being confident that our products are not tainted” is not the way to resolve the issue of intentional addition of the industrial chemical commonly known as melamine in food products.
Candy scare: The popular White Rabbit candies from China are among the milk-based products that have been taken off supermarket shelves. – AP “We must not readily accept mere statements and claims by traders, who perform media antics by consuming their products for the media to allay fears among the public,” he opines.
“We should not be overly protective of business concerns which always find ways to maximize profit even to the extent of risking the safety of consumers.
“The current incidence of melamine addition in baby milk in China was partly due to the authorities accepting claims and assurances of safety at face value as well as corruption,” he says.
Citing a case of tainted milk imported from Australia that happened last year as example, he says products sourced from Australia, New Zealand and Europe do not guarantee safety.
“They need to go through rigorous safety standards, too. Anyway we cannot be biased towards one country only,” he adds.
Muhammad Sha’ani highlights the Food Act 1983 which, he says, already has guidelines that abide by international standards.
“We just need to implement them properly,” he notes.
S.M. Idris, president of Consumer Association Penang (CAP), concurs.
“What we also need is a central food clearing agency to ensure that all foodstuff imported into the country meet the standards set, like those established in the United States of America and Europe. Currently, food items that are imported into the country are tested and analysed in an ad-hoc manner.”
“We also don’t have enough manpower to do this at the ministry, so the process takes too long, which can cause losses to the businesses,” he adds.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Traders Urged To Reciprocate By Reducing Prices Of Goods
September 25, 2008 20:26 PM
Traders Urged To Reciprocate By Reducing Prices Of Goods
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Traders have been urged to reciprocate the government's move to further slash the prices of fuel by reducing the prices of goods.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has announced the fuel price cut by 10 sen with the price of diesel reduced to RM2.45 per litre and diesel to RM2.40 per litre.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Association (Fomca) has expressed its dismay as there was no indication that traders would reciprocate by reducing the prices of goods.
Its secretary-general, Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah, said as such, Fomca would launch a campaign to persuade traders to reduce the prices of goods especially during the festive seasons.
"Traders should not reap too big a profit, instead they should share the burden of the fuel price hike. We are not forcing them make a loss," he said.
Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia patron Datuk Dr Maamor Osman said he was skeptical that such campaign would succeed.
"They even defy the laws. We cannot do anything," he said, adding that, he did not expect the prices of goods would be lowered soon.
In KUANTAN, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the fuel price cut should be followed by the reduction in the prices of goods.
"Although the fuel price cut is only 10 sen, the people should be thankful. We have to find ways because when the salaries go up, the prices of goods go up, when the fuel prices go up, the prices of goods also go up but when the fuel prices are lowered, the prices of goods do not go down," he said.
He said the federal and state governments should cooperate in reducing the impact of the fuel price hike.
In SANDAKAN, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the government had honoured its promise by further reviewing the fuel prices since the last increase in June when the petrol price went up by 78 sen per litre and diesel by RM1 per litre.
"This will help ease the burden of the people. I hope traders will not increase the prices of goods further," he said.
In KOTA BAHARU, the Customs Department is worried that the smuggling of petrol and diesel will be rampant with the reduction in fuel prices.
Kelantan Customs director Azis Yacub said the department would step up surveillance in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, Tumpat and Pengkalan Kubor.
In RANTAU PANJANG, Thai motorists welcomed the 10 sen reduction in fuel prices as they had been travelling to the border town to replenish the fuel.
"I make daily trip to Rantau Panjang to buy diesel for my car and the fuel price cut will help me reduce my expenditure," said trader Mahasae Ome, 46, who ferries passengers and goods between Sungai Golok and Narathiwat in southern Thailand.
Motorists from Thailand make a beeline for four petrol kiosks in Rantau Panjang as early as 7am.
For a local taxi driver, Ibrahim Awang, 48, he was thankful with the fuel price reduction as it would help reduce his cost.
"I hope the prices would be further reviewed," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Call for review of pawnshop interest rates
2008/09/13Call for review of pawnshop interest rates
Abd Rahman Said Alli says high interest rates are prevailing since 1951 |
KUALA LUMPUR: Are pawnshops flouting the Moneylenders Act 1951 by charging above the maximum interest rate allowed?
While it only allows interest of 12 per cent for a secured loan, pawnshops generally charge 24 per cent.
However, the Pawnbrokers Act 1972 allows for the interest rate to be fixed by the Housing and Local Government Minister.
The conflicting Acts are both under the purview of the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
Perak Consumers' Association president Abd Rahman Said Alli said pawnshops were currently charging a two per cent interest rate per month (an annual of 24 per cent) which was double the maximum rate fixed under the Moneylenders Act 1951.
He said this had been going on since 1951 and needed to be stopped.
"Both the Moneylenders and Pawnbrokers Acts are administered by the same ministry.
"I wonder why the ministry does not fix the rate based on what has been stated under their law," he told a joint press conference with the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations yesterday.
Rahman said the high interest rates had burdened the lower income group.
"Most of the ones who go to pawnshops are the lower-income group.
"They resort to pawnshops as they don't have any other option to get fast cash."
The option of the Islamic pawnshop, Ar-Rahnu, which is operated by commercial banks and does not charge interest is available only in major towns and not many are keen to use the service.
Act against touts, says Fomca
Saturday September 13, 2008
Act against touts, says Fomca
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ
THE Puduraya management UDA Holdings, the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board and the related agencies should be more pro-active in tackling the issue of the rising number of touts in the bus terminal.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) highlighted this at a press conference held on Sept 11.
In the last one week, the federation has received about 30 consumer complaints of various ticket-related problems, including expensive express bus tickets, especially during the festive season.
Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said most victims could not tell the difference between touts and genuine ticketing agents.
Muhammad Sha’ani: Some of the buses are also leased out by the bus company to individual drivers “Not only are the tickets sold at double or more than the normal price, customers are also made to walk far out from the main station to get into their buses which normally wait along the main road.
“The waiting causes inconvenience and those with luggages are forced to drag their bags along to get into the buses,” he said.
There were also complaints of Balik Kampung tickets being sold at double the price.
“Sometimes some of the buses are also leased out by the bus company to individual drivers. Although lawfully the buses have permits, the bus company is not managing the schedule for the particular trip.
“This results in irregular departure and arrival hours and unforeseen detours. What are the enforcement people doing?,” he asked.
To curb these problems, the federation has suggested that the Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development Ministry conducts a check and orders UDA Holdings to shut down all unlicenced ticket counters immediately.
“We also suggest that all ticket counters have a list of legal bus companies, approved routes, schedules and bus fares for easy reference and that bus tickets should only be sold at ticket counters.
“There should also be CCTVs to monitor touting activities at the terminal. Online ticket buying is another method to handle this problem,” he said, adding that there should be constant enforcement and raids at the bus terminal.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Malay Mail : Consumerism for the people
By Anu Venugopal September 12, 2008
Categories: News
Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah, the new director of the National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC), has 20 years of experience dealing with matters related to consumerism in Malaysia. Previously a volunteer at the Pahang Association of Consumers (PAC) while he was employed full-time at a Felda company, he also represented PAC at the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca).
How did you find your way to the NCCC?
I joined Fomca full-time in January this year after retiring from the Felda firm, having served there for 23 years. When the position as director at NCCC became vacant last month, I was offered the post of director.
As the new director, what plans do you have for the NCCC?
We will continue to highlight issues that concern the consumers, of course. We will also be talking to various associations to discuss issues in business ethics. We want to understand traders better – the problems they face and issues that are affecting them.
How is the Malaysian public as educated consumers?
The Malaysian public is generally not aware of their rights as consumers. Most of them don’t know that they have rights. The public needs to be educated and we are in the midst of conducting more consumer awareness programmes.
What is the hottest issue that the NCCC is facing right now?
The NCCC has been getting many complaints about the bus touts in Puduraya lately.
How can the problem of touts be resolved?
The issue is one that is complex. There have been numerous complains from the public. Mostly, we believe the problem lies with staff at the ticketing counters. Some of the companies are legal while others are not. It is difficult for the public to differentiate between genuine operators and touts.
When a customer buys a ticket, thinking it is genuine, he or she might later discover they had been cheated.
We have received 30 complains from consumers with tickets bought both at the counter and away.
What does the government need to do to solve this issue?
The government needs to play an active role in enforcing the law. If they make sure rules are enforced by punishing those who are wrong, there will be less people flouting the law. We hope to work with agencies under the Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Ministry to rectify the problem as soon as possible.
While you’re busy in your new role, how is your family coping?
They are all still in Mentakab, Pahang. My wife takes care of the home there, as well as my three boys – in Form Four, Form Two and Standard Six. My eldest, 18, has just started his studies at university.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Fomca wants stern action against bus ticket fakes
2008/09/11Fomca wants stern action against bus ticket fakes
BERNAMA: PETALING JAYA, THURS:
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) wants the authorities to come down hard on those selling fake express tickets ahead of the Aidifiltri festive season at the Puduraya bus terminal here.
Its secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said the Puduraya building management, Uda Holdings Bhd and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB) must quickly step in to close ticket counters at the terminal that are engaged in the illegal activity.
“Since last week Fomca has received more than 30 complaints of passengers cheated by these irresponsible people.” he told reporters here today.
He added that it was rather obvious that the staff at the ticket counters involved were in cahoots with ticket touts and unlicensed express bus operators preying on victims.
The tickets were sold at inflated prices and some were for non-existent buses.
長巴額外班次減少‧佳節到黃牛黨猖獗
長巴額外班次減少‧佳節到黃牛黨猖獗
2008-09-12 16:05
佳節臨時通行證銳減‧非法巴士搶灘賣貴票
佳節臨時通行證銳減‧非法巴士搶灘賣貴票
2008-09-11 21:29
（吉隆坡）馬來西亞半島巫裔長途巴士協會主席達祖汀聲稱，油價上漲，在今年佳節發出的巴士臨時通行證，已從去年的2000減至300張。在巴士不足的情況下，將造成“非法巴士”上路，並向公眾兜售高價車票從中牟利。
他指出，過去幾年，長途巴士業者將會依據市場需求增設巴士班次，並且開放給其他巴士業者如學生巴士、工廠巴士業者， 讓他們申請商用車輛執照局發出的臨時通行證，協助提供載送服務， 以應付佳節期間龐大的乘客量。
油價漲通行證申請減少
“去年約有2000名業者申請這個臨時通行證，而今年截至目前為止，就只有300名而已。我相信這與油價上漲帶來的經濟負擔有關。”
達祖汀於週四出席由馬來西亞消費人聯合會（FOMCA）舉行的“杜絕長巴黃牛票” 記者會後指出， 長巴業者拒絕在需求量高的佳節時候增設班次，以應付油價上漲後所帶來的成本負擔。
“雖然政府已經宣佈，讓每輛額外巴士享有9000公升津貼柴油，作為他們額外載客的津貼，但因為向貿消部申請津貼柴油卡的過程冗長及复雜，也無法帶來任何成效。”
距離開齋節還有20天，而申請額外通行證的業者只有300名，達祖汀擔心，在巴士不足的情況下，將有許多無法獲得通行執照的巴士上路，並以雙倍以上的車票價格牟利。
黃牛黨影響長巴營業額
他說，日漸猖獗的黃牛黨已嚴重影響合法長巴公司的營業額。另外，他也披露，一些合法長巴公司也私下聘請“黃牛跑腿” 在車站周圍拉客搶生意，對其他業者不公平。
消聯會總秘書莫哈末沙阿里指出，該協會在10天內已接獲30宗關於車站黃牛黨的投訴，因此他希望有關方面可以重視這項問題。
他披露，黃牛黨可分為兩種，一種是先向巴士售票櫃台買票，然後再到車站附近周圍兜售，而另一種是自己租下巴士和設立本身的櫃台，以“掛羊頭賣狗肉” 的方式兜售黃牛票。
應只讓合法業者設售票台
為了有效杜絕黃牛黨，馬來西亞消費人聯合會提出數項建議，包括促請商業車輛注冊局提供津貼給各長巴業者，以助提升線上售票服務，從中滅絕黃牛風氣。
莫哈末沙阿里指出， 黃牛黨的問題存在已久， 但是單靠執法單位是無法解決，巴士總站管理層或巴士業者本身也扮演著重要的角色。
因此，消聯會建議， 巴士總站管理層必須擁有所有在車站裡營業的合法長巴業者的名單，只允許他們在車站內擺設售票櫃台， 並且將公司招牌、路線圖及班次與價格表，清楚標示在櫃台處。
另外，他也建議，在車站內安裝閉路電視，以便監視是否有黃牛黨活動。
“市政局、警方、商業車輛注冊局、陸路交通局及旅遊部，也必須經常進行取締行動， 以有效的杜絕黃牛黨。”
光明日報‧2008.09.11
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Bantah larangan peraduan minyak
Bantah larangan peraduan minyak
September 9, 2008
Oleh saiful haizan hasam
KUALA LUMPUR 8 Sept. - Tindakan kerajaan melarang pemberian minyak petrol sebagai hadiah peraduan disifatkan persatuan pengguna sebagai 'meragut' peluang rakyat untuk meringankan beban yang dihadapi mereka.
Mereka berpendapat, hadiah dalam bentuk minyak amat bermanfaat untuk rakyat yang semakin terhimpit dengan kenaikan harga minyak di pasaran global.
Setiausaha Agung Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM), Datuk Dr. Ma'amor Osman berkata, subsidi kerajaan sebanyak 30 sen bagi setiap liter petrol tidak wajar dijadikan hujah untuk menghalang pemberian hadiah dalam bentuk itu.
Beliau berkata, subsidi petrol yang dijadikan hadiah itu juga tidak tersasar daripada matlamat asal kerana ia juga dimanfaatkan oleh rakyat.
"Saya tidak nampak rasional larangan itu dan saya berharap menteri yang bertanggungjawab dapat memberikan penjelasan lanjut kepada rakyat.
"Apakah pemberian hadiah itu menyalahi akta barang kawalan? Jika begitu, bagaimana pula dengan hadiah pertandingan lain dalam bentuk keperluan asas seperti tepung dan minyak yang juga merupakan barangan yang disubsidi," katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.
Beliau mengulas arahan Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad supaya pemberian hadiah dalam bentuk minyak petrol dihentikan dengan alasan menyalahgunakan subsidi yang disalur kerajaan.
Antara syarikat yang menganjurkan peraduan yang menawarkan hadiah minyak ialah Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) yang menyediakan pengisian petrol percuma selama tiga tahun bernilai RM28,800 kepada pemenang bulanan.
Presiden Persatuan Pengguna Subang dan Shah Alam (CASSA), Datuk Dr. Jacob George berkata, pemberian hadiah dalam bentuk minyak adalah sesuatu yang amat dinantikan dan dihargai para pengguna.
Katanya, kajian yang dilakukan CASSA baru-baru ini mendapati kebanyakan pengguna memperuntukkan sebahagian besar daripada perbelanjaan mereka untuk pembelian minyak.
"Ini adalah bersesuaian dengan kehendak pengguna, mereka tidak mahu fikir mengenai subsidi kerajaan... itu perkara yang teknikal bagi mereka," katanya.
Sementara itu, Setiausaha Agung Persatuan-Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA), Muhamad Sha'ani Abdullah berkata, pihaknya setuju dengan larangan tersebut kerana ia adalah satu manipulasi syarikat korporat untuk meningkatkan jualan mereka.
Katanya, yang menjadi mangsa ialah para penguna kerana hanya segelintir daripada ratusan ribu peserta peraduan sedemikian berpeluang menjadi pemenang.
"Adalah lebih baik Petronas memberi diskaun kepada semua pelanggan, saya cadangkan 1 sen untuk satu liter minyak.
"Jika ia diberi melalui hadiah peraduan, ia hanyalah untuk orang tertentu," katanya.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Tubuh pemantau lindungi pembeli
Tubuh pemantau lindungi pembeli
September 6, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR 5 Sept. - Kerajaan digesa meletakkan pegawai pemantau harga barang di pasar-pasar utama bagi melindungi pengguna yang terbeban ekoran kenaikan harga barangan terutamanya ayam sejak kebelakangan ini.
Setiausaha Agung Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA), Muhamad Sha'ani Abdullah berkata, pegawai tersebut boleh dianggotai oleh kakitangan pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) yang bertugas khusus memastikan harga barangan sentiasa terkawal.
"Mereka ini seharusnya diberi kuasa untuk memantau atau memberi amaran kepada peniaga yang degil dan menaikkan harga sewenang- wenangnya," katanya ketika dihubungi di sini hari ini.
Beliau mengulas trend kenaikan harga barangan sejak kebelakangan ini dengan peniaga ayam dilaporkan menjual ayam melebihi harga siling RM6 sekilogram.
MenambahJelas Muhamad Sha'ani lagi, kenaikan harga ayam boleh dikawal dengan menambahkan stok ayam import.
Sementara itu, Pengarah Projek Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM), Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin berkata, kerajaan seharusnya memecahkan monopoli harga yang dikenakan oleh pemborong serta pembekal ayam.
"Penguatkuasaan jangan hanya tertumpu kepada peniaga sahaja. Sebaliknya ia perlu merangkumi pelbagai aspek berkaitan harga yang dikenakan oleh pembekal dan pemborong," jelasnya.
Presiden Persatuan Pengguna Subang dan Shah Alam (CASSA), Datuk Dr. Jacob George turut menggesa agar penguatkuasaan dipertingkatkan bagi menjamin harga ayam sentiasa terkawal.
Tegasnya, kerajaan juga sebenarnya boleh berunding dengan penternak dan pembekal ayam bagi menentukan harga pasaran yang sesuai dan tidak membebankan pengguna.
"Jika semuanya gagal, import sahaja ayam dari luar."
"Ia menyelesaikan masalah dan menjadikan harganya juga kompetitif berbanding sekarang,'' katanya.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Beware, the junk food trap
2008/09/05Beware, the junk food trap
Report: Cereals not as healthy as claimed
By : Shuhada Elis 
Consumers International Kuala Lumpur regional office head Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham and Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah reading the Junk Food Trap Report yesterday. — NST picture by Zunnur Al Shafiq |
KUALA LUMPUR: Breakfast cereals, aggressively advertised and promoted as healthy food for children, are making them fat, even obese.
Do not be fooled by the nutritional benefits printed on cereal boxes as the food inside is laden with fat, sugar and salt.
This damning judgment is contained in the Junk Food Trap Report released by Consumers International (CI) here yesterday.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah warned that the junk food trap would cause hypertension, diabetes and high-cholesterol problems in Malaysia to soar.
Fomca is a member of CI.
Sha'ani said the impact such food had on Malaysian children and the national health budget was "too alarming" to ignore.
Last year, the Health Ministry spent RM180 million or 20 per cent of its RM900 million budget on drugs for chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.
CI Kuala Lumpur regional office head Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said children brought up on these cereals, as well as fast food and drinks, faced a "health time bomb".
The Junk Food Trap Report revealed that each 100g box of cereal could contain up to 25 teaspoons of sugar.
The report was compiled based on a study of foods targeted at children below the age of 16, marketed by six multinational companies in eight countries.
Indrani said the research found that children were falling for the marketing ploys of foods that were high in fat, sugar and salt.
"These companies share the same characteristics. They use cartoon characters, cele-brities, free toys and competitions to attract children.
"But their food and drinks have a negative impact on children's health."
The research was conducted from April to June by CI representatives in Malaysia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand and the Philippines.
Indrani said fast food companies were also using insidious ways to sell to children, such as setting up membership clubs.
She said one international fast food chain had about 58,000 members in its club.
"Sometimes these companies go to schools to conduct activities, an indirect way of marketing to kids."
Sha'ani said Fomca would urge the government to develop stringent guidelines against the marketing of unhealthy food.
"Junk food marketing is a serious threat that we should address. They should stop promoting unhealthy food in schools in whatever form."
Fomca would ask for funding from the Health Ministry to conduct research on the impact of food marketing to children as it wanted the government to focus on preventive health care.
Sha'ani said it would also lobby the government to adopt the International Code on Marketing of Foods and Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Children, which had been submitted to the World Health Organisation.
Among the code's guidelines are a ban on radio or TV advertisements of unhealthy food from 6am to 9pm, ban on the inclusion of free toys or cartoon characters in food packaging and a ban on using new media, such as the Internet, and text messaging to lure the children.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Pengusaha bas perlu penuhi tanggungjawab sosial - NGO
Pengusaha bas perlu penuhi tanggungjawab sosial
September 4, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR 3 Sept. - Persatuan- persatuan pengguna mahu semua pengusaha bas di negara ini mementingkan tanggungjawab sosial berbanding menuntut kenaikan surcaj 100 peratus bagi mengaut keuntungan sehingga membebankan pengguna.
Setiausaha Agung Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM), Datuk Dr. Maamor Osman berkata, pengusaha bas terutama bas ekspres wajar menyedari tanggungjawab sosial korporat masing-masing lebih- lebih lagi menjelang musim perayaan.
''Sepatutnya, pada musim perayaan inilah mereka perlu merebut peluang untuk menunaikan tanggungjawab sosial korporat masing-masing dengan memberi sedikit kelegaan kepada pengguna, sebagai contoh, memberi potongan harga kepada penumpang.
''Sebaliknya, mereka menuntut pula kenaikan surcaj sehingga 100 peratus yang sudah tentu memberi tekanan kepada pengguna terutama golongan yang berpendapatan rendah,'' katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.
Beliau mengulas kenyataan Presiden Persatuan Pengusaha-Pengusaha Bas SeMalaysia, Datuk Mohamed Ashfar Ali yang menuntut kenaikan kadar surcaj sehingga 100 peratus berbanding 30 peratus sebelum ini.
Mohamed Ashfar berkata, surcaj sebanyak 30 peratus itu masih tidak mencukupi untuk memberikan pihak pengusaha bas ekspres jaminan pulangan modal yang mencukupi bagi tujuan penyewaan bas tambahan.
Menurut Dr. Maamor, isu bas tambahan tidak mencukupi dan kenaikan tambang bas yang sering berulang setiap kali menjelang musim perayaan itu tidak akan berhenti sekiranya kerajaan tidak mengambil langkah segera untuk menanganinya.
''Isu sebegini akan muncul setiap kali menjelang musim perayaan, benda yang sama, kerajaan harus meneliti isu ini dengan lebih mendalam kerana kita tidak mahu sebarang keputusan yang dibuat kelak menyebabkan pengguna seolah-olah menjadi mangsa gara-gara tidak mempunyai pilihan.
''Kajian yang dibuat itu nanti diharapkan akan membawa keadilan untuk kedua-dua pihak kerana pada masa yang sama, kita memahami situasi pihak pengusaha yang menghadapi tekanan untuk menanggung pelbagai kos yang berkaitan,'' katanya.
Sementara itu, Setiausaha Agung Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA), Muhamad Sha'ani Abdullah berpendapat, tuntutan tersebut tidak wajar diusulkan memandangkan kenaikan surcaj sebanyak 30 peratus baru sahaja diumumkan kerajaan baru-baru ini.
''Perkara ini (tuntutan surcaj 100 peratus) tidak wajar diusulkan, sekiranya ia dilaksanakan, sudah tentu akan mengejutkan para pengguna, dalam situasi kenaikan sebanyak 30 peratus pun pengguna sudah tidak senang duduk, apatah lagi jika ia dinaikkan sehingga 100 peratus.
''Saya percaya ia akan memberi lebih bebanan kepada penumpang berbanding pihak pengusaha bas,'' ujarnya.
Sehubungan itu, beliau mencadangkan kerajaan supaya lebih proaktif dalam menangani isu ini dengan merangka satu sistem pembiayaan pengangkutan awam yang lebih mesra pengguna.
Katanya, menerusi sistem tersebut, kerajaan berfungsi untuk menyalurkan bantuan kewangan bagi membiayai kos-kos tertentu seperti perkhidmatan bas tambahan kepada pengusaha bas sebagai langkah mengelak penumpang daripada menjadi mangsa keadaan.
'Scrap RM3 entry fee'
2008/09/04 'Scrap RM3 entry fee'
PETALING JAYA: The organisers of the Matta International Travel Fair beginning tomorrow at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur have been urged to waive the RM3 entrance fee.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) and the Business Ethics Institute of Malaysia (BEIM) jointly made the request in view of the current difficult economic climate.
"As a goodwill gesture, Matta can waive the fees as it has raked in millions of ringgit over the past years from entrance fees and booth rentals of participants," said Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah at his office in Seri Setia yesterday.
Also present were BEIM chairman Zainal Abidin Abdul Majeed and National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC) manager Yesotha Balakrishnan.
Muhammad Sha'ani also urged Matta to be wary of travel agents using the fair to cheat or mislead customers.
In an immediate response, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Ngiam Foon said he was surprised to learn of alleged cheating by fair participants.
"I am shocked and unaware of such misdeeds by the agents, if there is any truth to it. We welcome Fomca for a dialogue," Ngiam said.
He added the entrance fee was to ensure that only genuine visitors attended the fair and they would be given a goody bag worth much more than the fee.
Call For Aggressive Action On Banning Fast Food Ads
| September 04, 2008 17:21 PM | |
Call For Aggressive Action On Banning Fast Food Ads
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Citing serious concerns over the health threat posed by junk food on children, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) wants the government to develop stronger legislation against the marketing of unhealthy foods to children based on the international code.
FOMCA also wanted the government to enforce bans on radio and TV advertisements promoting unhealthy food between 6am and 9pm, its secretary-general, Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said Thursday.
Describing the junk food threat as "an enemy that is becoming larger than what we think", Muhammad claimed that the junk food marketing was a serious threat that involved the entire nation and should be addressed immediately.
Speaking at the launch of the 'Junk Food Trap' report at the Consumers International Kuala Lumpur office here, he said it was also a proven fact that junk food was increasingly becoming a major contributory factor in the soaring childhood overweight and obesity rate in Malaysia.
"They have invaded children's television programmes, resorted to all marketing gimmicks imaginable...utilising cartoon characters, celebrities and free toys, which we all know children would have difficulty in saying no to.
"Even worse, they have brought their marketing techniques right into our school and associated their unhealthy products with healthy lifestyle by sponsoring sports themed activities," he added.
Muhammad said that its impact on children and the annual health budget was alarmingly too significant to be ignored.
He said in 2004, at least 4.1% of children below the age of five were overweight, adding that in the beginning of 2007, the Ministry of Health spent RM180 million or 20% of its RM900 million budget on drugs for chronic diseases, mainly hypertension, diabetes and high cholestrol, and the number of patients was expected to increase by 13% by the year 2020.
"We commend the recent initiative of the Ministry of Health on banning fast food TV commercials...but we ask the Ministry to do more for us to be able to effectively protect our children," he said.
Meanwhile, the Legal Advisor of FOMCA and Head of Consumers International Office for Asia Pacific, Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said the promoting of unhealthy foods, in whatever form, in schools, must be stopped.
Indrani also asked food manufacturers to stop practising double-standard policies on food marketing and standardise their implementation in all countries, regardless of geographic location and economic status.
"We appeal to the government to focus on preventive healthcare. Put in more effort and allocation on media-based campaigns to promote healthy eating and physical activity.
"We ask you to fund a research to further assess the impact of food marketing to children's diet and health," added Indrani.
The Consumers International and FOMCA hoped the launch today would be a success and the report and legislation would be approved by the Malaysian government.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
消聯7個月接600投訴‧5旅行社最多問題
消聯7個月接600投訴‧5旅行社最多問題
2008-09-03 19:58
（雪 蘭莪‧八打靈再也）大馬消費人聯合會（FOMCA）披露，每次大馬旅遊展（Matta Fair）結束後，許多消費者都會向他們投訴旅遊展推出的旅遊配套一點都不廉價，也不優惠。今年首7個月，該會已接獲600多宗投訴個案。為免消費者在即 將來臨的大馬旅遊展受到誤導，該會決定在網上公佈5家最多人投訴的旅行社名字，供消費者參考。
這5家旅行社分別是Andalas Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd、Best Holiday、Excellence Holiday Sdn Bhd、Golden Century Tour & Tour Travels及My Ezy Vacation Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd。
大馬消費人聯合會秘書長莫哈末沙亞尼及國家消費人投訴中心（NCCC）投訴及調查組主任耶斯蘇達，今日（週三，3日）在一項與馬來西亞商業道德機構（BEIM）召開的聯席記者會上指出，他們希望通過這項公佈，提醒有意購買旅游配套的消費者做出明智的選擇。
斥旅行社誤導
他們說，該會在2007年接獲1107宗有關旅遊展的投訴，今年首7個月則有600多宗投訴。“這5家旅行社在投訴榜上排行前5名。”
他們指出，每逢大馬旅遊展之後，投訴案件就會大量提升，顯示旅遊展的參與單位所提供的旅遊配套或服務存在弊病。
“我們接獲最多的投訴是消費者不滿參展單位不明確的指示，使到他們被誤導。他們也不滿旅行社不允許他們取回訂金；一些消費者也投訴旅遊配套不符合價值；也有消費者不滿參展單位以誘迫的手段推銷配套。”
兩人認為，大馬旅遊展和旅遊部必須扮演監督角色，禁止參展單位以不道德手法促銷配套，令消費者受騙。
另一方面，針對大馬消費人聯合會在汽油起價牽動物價連鎖反應中所擔任的角色問題，莫哈未沙亞尼說，該會一直都在扮演揭發及鞭策政府的角色，可是因為刑罰權力在政府手上，法律條文也都由政府制定，因此是否有效扮演角色最終取決於政府。
稱旅客要求很主觀
旅行社不認同報告
針對被消費人投訴中心列為最多消費者投訴的旅行社之一，受詢的旅行社負責人異口同聲表示不認同這份報告。他們說，所謂的最多消費人投訴其實很大的可能性是一項誤解。
“每個消費人對旅游的要求都有所不同，同樣一個配套，有遊客讚好，但也有遊客可能不滿，所以是非常主觀的。”
他們也聲稱不明白為何會被列入排行榜，因為他們本身所接獲的投訴是少之又少。
展銷會有別展覽會
收3元入場費欠公道
大馬消費人聯合會（FOMCA）、國家消費人投訴中心（NCCC）及馬來西亞商業道德機構（BEIM）也抨擊大馬旅遊展向消費者收取3令吉入場費的舉措非常不公道（Matta Fair Not Fair）。
他們強調，旅遊展並非一個展覽，它僅是一個展銷會，消費者要去購買旅遊配套之前，還要付費購買入場券，這對消費者有欠公道。
馬來西亞商業道德機構主席再納阿比丁指出，大馬旅遊協會應該正視這個問題，撤銷旅遊展不合理的入場費。他也希望政府能管制，採取行動對付不負責任的旅行社。
促政府管制
“尤其目前經濟不好，大馬旅遊協會更應該負起商業道德責任。”
他說，除了入場費，參展的旅行社也常被投訴提供“貨不對辦”的配套、不允許消費者取回訂金等，導致消費者的權益受損。
“大馬旅遊協會屬於旅遊部管轄，因此旅遊部應該採取行動，確保旅行社不敢亂亂來。”
另外，再納阿比丁也促請參展的旅行社響應環保，在大馬旅遊展期間減少使用紙張。
遭投訴旅行社
◆Andalas Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd
服務問題：不肯退回訂金、服務欠佳
◆Best Holiday
服務問題：額外收費、強迫游客必須繳付額外費用、不肯退回訂金
◆Excellence Holiday Sdn Bhd
服務問題：不肯退回訂金
◆Golden Century Tour & Tour Travels
服務問題：配套貨不對辦、服務欠佳
◆My Ezy Vacation Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd
服務問題：營業執照遭吊銷後依然營業
光明日報‧2008.09.03
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Beli produk tempatan atasi inflasi
Beli produk tempatan atasi inflasi
September 2, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR 1 Sept. - Orang ramai disaran beralih kepada produk tempatan yang harganya jauh lebih rendah sebagai langkah mengatasi masalah inflasi yang dijangka berlanjutan.
Penyelaras Projek Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM), Nor Nirwandy Mat Noor berkata, langkah itu juga dapat membantu usaha memecah monopoli pasaran secara beransur-ansur yang kini dikuasai oleh syarikat multinasional.
''Jika kita berjaya berbuat demikian, sedikit sebanyak pengguna dapat membantu kerajaan mengatasi masalah kenaikan inflasi dan sekali gus mengukuhkan ekonomi dalam negara,'' katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.
Semalam, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) menjangkakan kadar inflasi akan terus tinggi pada separuh kedua tahun ini dan berlanjutan hingga ke awal tahun depan.
Laporan perkembangan ekonomi dan kewangan di Malaysia pada suku kedua yang dikeluarkan oleh bank pusat itu menyebut, kadar kenaikan tersebut mungkin akan menjadi sederhana menjelang pertengahan tahun depan.
Menurut Nor Nirwandy, kerajaan harus membantu bagi menyokong usaha tersebut yang diyakini akan dapat menghentikan kuasa monopoli pihak tertentu terhadap kawalan harga barang.
Selain itu, jelasnya, pengguna juga perlu bijak mengukur kekuatan struktur isi rumah agar mereka dapat mengawal kedudukan ekonomi keluarga dan sekali gus bersikap realistik bagi menyusun atur perbelanjaan.
Sementara itu, Setiausaha Agung Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna-Pengguna Malaysia (Fomca), Mohamed Shaani Abdullah ketika dihubungi pula berkata, biasanya inflasi berlaku apabila orang ramai berbelanja secara tidak terkawal sehingga mendorong kepada kenaikan harga barang.
Bagaimanapun, katanya, masalah yang berlaku di negara ini pula berbeza apabila kadar inflasi tetap meningkat walaupun rakyat tidak mempunyai kemampuan untuk membeli-belah.
''Bagi saya senario ini sesuatu yang agak pelik kerana orang kita sekarang tidak ada duit tetapi harga barang tetap melambung naik.
''Dalam hal ini, kerajaan perlu memainkan peranan yang penting untuk menurunkan paras inflasi agar beban sara hidup rakyat dapat dikurangkan,'' katanya.
Dalam pada itu, Presiden Persatuan Perlindungan Pengguna Malaysia, Mohd. Firdaus Abdullah menasihatkan pengguna agar mengamalkan langkah berjimat cermat sewaktu berbelanja.
''Orang ramai perlu bijak mengukur baju di badan sendiri, begitu juga dalam soal merancang perbelanjaan bagi mengelakkan masalah pembaziran berlaku,'' ujarnya.
Menurutnya, pihak berkuasa juga perlu membuat pemantauan harga barang secara berterusan agar tidak ada pihak yang mengambil kesempatan menaikkan harga barang sesuka hati terutama apabila musim perayaan semakin hampir.
