PM: No decision on power tariff

Saturday October 27, 2007

KEPALA BATAS: The Government has not decided whether to raise the power tariff in the country despite the escalating fuel price, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

“We’ve not decided on anything yet,” the Prime Minister told reporters after opening the Kepala Batas Hospital here.

He was asked to comment on the statement by Tenaga Nasional Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh that the company, burdened with high operating costs following the increase in the oil and gas as well as coal prices in the market, had submitted a proposal to the Government to raise the electricity tariff.

Abdullah said the increase in the price of oil and other fuels was acutely felt and was sure to hurt Tenaga Nasional.

On the appointment of a new Chief Justice, Abdullah said there was no development on the matter.

“I’ve already said that I will not discuss the matter in public,” he said.

Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim is going on compulsory retirement on Oct 31.

Shafie: Brace for higher fuel prices in future

Thursday October 18, 2007

SEMPORNA (Sabah): Malaysians should use less fuel and brace themselves for any increase in fuel prices in view of rising world oil prices.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said the Government might not be able to continue giving subsidies in view of the high international oil price and other factors.

Shafie, however, said the Government would keep its promise not to increase oil prices this year.

“The high cost of fuel is not only affecting oil importing countries but also oil producing countries like Iran,” he said, adding that weather and wars were pushing up international oil prices.
“Our oil reserves can only last us for about another 10 to 15 years,” he told reporters at his Hari Raya open house here.

Shafie said the Government was taking steps to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuel by encouraging the use of alternative renewable energy.
He said the alternative energies being adopted included the use of bio-diesel as well as solar energy in rural areas.

Costly to hire Indian maids

Thursday October 18, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: If you cannot afford to pay a maid RM1,400 a month, don’t even think about hiring one from India.

Employers looking to hire maids from India must also put up a whopping bank guarantee of about RM9,000, to be deposited with the Indian High Commission.

The maid’s minimum wage is set at RM1,400 per month and she must be provided with a prepaid mobile phone as part of mandatory requirements issued by the Indian High Commission.

Flight costs and other miscellaneous expenses are also to be borne by the employer.

A copy of the conditions and “contract of employment for maid” is available at the Indian High Commission.

The High Commission’s first secretary (consular) S.K. Mehrotra said the employment contract should be between the worker and the employer directly, and not through any agent.
“The employers must go to India themselves to directly hire the maid. The High Commission does not want agents to get involved in recruiting maids because agents have brought in workers and short-changed them,” he said.

“If the employer is not happy with the maid, he can send her back. Training is not a requirement yet, as both countries (Malaysia and India) have not signed any bilateral agreement on the hiring of maids.”

Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said recruitment from the four countries – India, Nepal, Laos and Vietnam – would take place only after the memorandums of understanding were signed.

Currently, there are many Indian women working as maids in most Middle Eastern countries.
Asked why the recommended pay was high, Mehrotra said, “The pay is set at RM1,400 because the maid will have to leave behind her family and go to serve in another country.
“Indian maids get about the same serving in other countries in the Middle East, and the bank guarantee provides proper protection for the maid.”

According to the contract of employment, if the employee fails to fulfil the expectation of the employer, her salary shall not be reduced or deducted in any way.
It states that “the maid will be insured for a minimum of RM20,000 (at a premium of RM300) against sudden death during the course of her duties as a maid”.

“All complaints concerning the terms of the contract should be made to the Labour Department here. The contract has to be signed by the employer at the Indian High Commission and the maid in India before the protector of emigrants,” it added.

In Ipoh, Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Ashok K. Kantha said Malaysia and India would soon sign a memorandum of understanding to address the problem of Indian nationals being cheated when seeking employment here.

Buses must go to destinations, can’t cancel trips

Friday September 28, 2007

PUTRAJAYA: Once a bus ticket has been sold, the company must ensure that the bus leaves for the said destination. That is its obligation.

The company cannot use the excuse of not having a driver for a particular bus and absolve themselves by refunding the ticket money to a passenger who is left in the lurch, as he has to find another way to get to the destination.

Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said refunds were not acceptable and should be reported to the board.

“Even if their drivers have been barred from driving for being found positive for drugs and so on, there must be a replacement immediately; no one is allowed to refund money to passengers,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters here after attending the opening of the Franchise Exposition and Conversion and Co-Branding Franchise Seminar.

Markiman added that to date there were 583 applications for the 1,000 temporary permits for the Hari Raya period from Oct 6 to 22.

Shortage of cooking oil in Johor towns

Wednesday September 26, 2007

JOHOR BARU: Several towns in Johor are facing a shortage of cooking oil, according to the Johor Consumer Protection Association.

Its chairman T. Saravanan said Segamat, Batu Pahat, Kluang and Gelang Patah have problems getting the 1kg packet.

“We have had at least 50 complaints about the oil shortage,” he said, adding that the association suspected traders of hoarding 1kg packets to push the sale of bottled cooking oil.

Provision shop owners here are complaining that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get extra stock of cooking oil.

When contacted, Johor Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry chief enforcement officer Fahmi Kassim said checks confirmed that there was a “slight” shortage of 1kg packets in some shops.

“But there will definitely be enough supply for the festive season,” he assured.

Fahmi said that traders or consumers who found it hard to get cooking oil could contact the ministry toll free hotline at 1-800 886 800.

Higher fees for replacement MyKad

Wednesday September 26, 2007
MYT 1:15:30 PM

PETALING JAYA: Effective Oct 1, there will be a new fee structure for those wanting to replace their lost MyKad.

According to the National Registration Department (NRD), a RM100 fee will be imposed on those requesting for their first replacement MyKad, RM200 for the second replacement, and RM300 for the third and subsequent replacements.

In a press statement, the NRD noted that this fee did not include the application fee of RM10; no processing fee will be charged.

Currently, payment for MyKad replacement ranges from RM30 (for first replacement) to RM120 (for fourth and subsequent replacements).

NRD director-general Datuk Mohd Abdul Halim Muhammad said the new fee rates will be applicable to both Malaysian citizens and non-citizens, and it was meant to curb the problem of misplaced identity cards.

However, those exempted from this fee are:

The poor, disabled, the elderly - They need to show a confirmation letter from the Welfare Department, District Office, Penghulu or the Orang Asli Affairs Department (JHEOA).

Those who lost their MyKad because of robbery or snatch theft - They need to show a police report stating the details of the incidents clearly.

Those affected by natural disasters such as house fire, floods, typhoons, landslides or tsunami - They need to show a confirmation letter from the Welfare Department, Penghulu or District Office.

"Those who want to be exempted from this fee will have to fill in the exemption/reduction form available at any NRD offices.

"For cases on fee reduction, the application charge still applies, while those who are exempted there will be no charges," he said.

Chicken, fish to be imported if there's shortage for festive season

Wednesday September 26, 2007
MYT 7:37:31 PM

PUTRAJAYA: The Government will allow imports of fish and chicken if there is a shortfall in supply for the festive season, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

He said the ministry's officials were closely monitoring the market for any signs of a shortage.

"They is no shortage yet but our contingency plan is to import chicken and fish if the local poultry farmers and fishermen cannot meet the demand," he told reporters after his weekly post-Cabinet meeting Wednesday.

Muhyiddin said if poultry farmers, who are saddled with escalating production costs, such as the cost of animal feed, could not increase production; the Government would intervene to ensure supply in the market.

"We will allow the importation of chicken from neighbouring countries to ensure consumers could still buy them at affordable prices. Likewise, fish would also be imported if bad weather causes supply to drop," he said.

He said apart from fish and chicken, there was adequate supply of meat and the other agricultural produce like fruits and vegetables in the market.

Onions, garlic ‘shrunk’

Tuesday September 25, 2007

BUKIT MERTAJAM: When Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry enforcement officers checked 261 gunnysacks of large red onions and garlic, they found the sacks lighter than the stated weight of 10kg.

The reason, according to the wholesaler, was that “the onions and garlic had shrunk in size”.

Enforcement chief Norashikin Abdul Hamid, who led a team of officers to a warehouse in Jalan Megat Harun here at 9.45am, did not buy the explanation and seized the gunnysacks.

“The weight difference in each 10kg gunny sack was more evident in the large red onions. They weighed from 8.35kg to 9.75kg,” she said.

She said the 10kg gunnysacks of garlic weighed between 9.35kg and 9.9kg.

“The 10kg gunnysack of large red onions or garlic is sold to grocers at RM15 each. If the grocers are short-changed, they might pass their loss to consumers,” she told reporters during the raid.

She said the onions were sold at RM1.80 per kilo while the garlic went for RM3.50 to RM4 per kilo. Both are not price-controlled goods.

“In the invoice to grocers, the wholesaler stated that that each gunnysack was 10kg but this was not the case.” she said.

Also found in premises were 200 gunnysacks of Holland onions but they were “heavier” than the 10kg stated weight.

Minimum pay proposed for three groups

Monday September 24, 2007

CLINIC assistants, security guards and casual farm workers can look forward to a minimum wage and better perks if employers accept recommendations for higher pay, the Malaysia Nanban reported.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said clinic assistants in the private sector in peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, and casual farm workers in Sabah and Sarawak would also enjoy the benefits.

He was speaking to reporters after launching an international information and communications technology competition.

He said that the recommendations for the three groups by the Minimum Wage Council, and those by employers and the Malaysian Trades Union Congress are in the final stage of review by the ministry.

Among the recommendations made are that 1.2 million workers in the three job categories be paid a minimum wage of RM700 a month over the current average wage of RM500, aside from other benefits such as rest days, overtime claims and a retirement scheme.

Recruit more Indian youngsters as MIC members

> Tamil Nesan reported MIC vice president Datuk S. Sothinathan's call to MIC branch leaders to recruit more Indian youngsters as members.

He said that Indian youngsters, who would be the country’s future leaders, must come forward to get rid of the social ills destroying many Indian youths by working together in coordinating programmes that were beneficial for the Indian community.

Food prices going up

Monday September 24, 2007

Food prices going up

PETALING JAYA: The price of food in restaurants and hawker stalls has been on the rise since the salary increase for civil servants from July 1.

Many consumers say they were paying more for the same meals while restaurant owners and hawkers admit increasing prices by between 20sen and 50sen.

Those who have not increased prices are serving smaller portions of food.

The National Consumers Complaints Centre (NCCC) said it was receiving more complaints about the rising food prices.

NCCC director Darshan Singh said that even the prices of teh tarik, Milo and Nescafe had gone up by between 50sen and RM1.

Becoming expensive: many consumers have started paying more for the food as prices at restaurants and hawker stalls have been steadily increasing since July 1.

“We are receiving an average of 30 complaints a day from consumers on the higher price of food,” he added.

The NCCC works closely with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and forwards all complaints received to the enforcement division of the ministry.

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) said more enforcement was needed to rein in food prices.

“Clearly, many traders and restaurateurs are still not being kept in check. We have received many complaints,” CAP officer Uma Ramaswamy said.

She added that, in Penang, the food portions served had become smaller.

“Food prices, however, have in general only gone up by 10sen. But this (price increase) will continue if nothing is done.

“True, there is no law against increasing prices but the authorities should not just leave it at that,” she said.

Uma said CAP had also been encouraging the public to have more home-cooked meals to save money but this practice was troublesome for working couples.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry’s enforcement (development) division deputy director-general Iskandar Halim Sulaiman said that under Ops Gaji, which started on May 21, the ministry had conducted 580,485 checks on grocery shops, restaurants and food outlets.

More than 130,000 compounds were issued and 550 restaurants hauled up for not adhering to their price list.

“So far, RM459,166 worth of goods have been seized and RM219,480 in compounds collected,” he added.

Those who have complaints about higher food prices and other essential items can call the enforcement division at 1800-886-800, SMS 32255 or e-mail e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my

Monday September 24, 2007

Food sellers: Cost of ingredients eating into profits

PETALING JAYA: Hawkers, petty traders and mamak restaurant owners lament the higher cost of ingredients as well as intense competition which they say are making a dent on their profits.

While most traders and restaurant owners said they were absorbing the increase in expenditure, some stall owners had passed on the cost to consumers.

Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations of Malaysia president Datuk Ghai Soo Ming said many ingredients had become more expensive.

“Business is tough. If a trader simply increases the price, customers run away. For traders who really cannot make ends meet, it is advisable to keep the increase low,” he said.

Restaurant owner, J. Selva, said wholesalers had raised prices but they were within the ceiling prices set by the Government.

“But at the end of the day, restaurant owners like me still have to pay more for the foodstuff,” he added.

Selva said that some restaurants had increased the prices of drinks.

“Take Milo for instance. I pay about RM14 for 1kg of Milo. For a good-tasting cup, you can only make about 15 glasses for every kilo of Milo. I also need to use two tins of condensed milk, which costs RM4.80 for both.

“So, my cost for the 15 glasses of Milo is RM18.80. I sell it at RM1.50 each, which works out to a total of RM22.50. That means my profit is RM3.70.

“But then we have not taken into consideration the cost of gas for boiling the water, electricity bill, rental and also workers’ salaries,” he said.

A chap fun (rice and pre-cooked dishes) seller in SS2 here said he now charged 20sen more per plate of food.

“However, I do not charge my regular customers extra because I want them to continue patronising my stall.”

Shafie: Shop smart instead of boycotting all market traders

Monday September 24, 2007
MYT 7:31:19 PM

By DEVID RAJAH

PUTRAJAYA: A blanket boycott on all market traders over rising prices of essential goods will adversely affect the economy, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said.

Instead, Shafie, called on the public to look for alternatives or buy from traders who offered reasonable rates.

Shafie, who clearly did not support the blanket boycott call by the umbrella union bodies - Cupeacs and MTUC - on market traders, said: "Be a smart consumer and look for cheaper alternatives."

He said even the honest traders would be affected if people boycotted markets.

If this happens traders would have to close shop, workers would lose their jobs and the economy would suffer, he said.

"There are markets and places where you can still buy goods at reasonable prices," he said, adding that four to five enforcement officers would be deployed to all the main markets to check on unscrupulous traders who raised the prices of essential goods.

"Consumers must exercise their right by comparing prices to avoid traders who hike up prices. This will force them to lower their prices.

"Don't buy what you don't need as the Government can only check on prices of controlled items," he told a press conference at his ministry here on Monday.

However, Shafie said the ministry would not hesitate to take stern action on errant traders who sold price-controlled items above the ceiling prices.

"Please give us the information and we will act," said Shafie, who called on the public, including the union bodies to call the ministry's hotline at 1-800-886-800 to report such traders.

He said between Sept 13 and 23, the ministry's enforcement officers checked 130,374 premises and seized RM78,114 worth of goods and issued compound fines worth RM37,850 to 230 traders, comprising wholesalers and retailers.

He said the ministry would continue to check and enforce the laws on errant traders.

"We don't want any adverse impact on the domestic economy," he said, when asked if he objected to the boycott call.

MTUC and the civil servants umbrella union body Cuepacs launched a nationwide boycott campaign against rising prices of essential goods at the Sungai Besi toll plaza here on Sunday.

Leaders of the two bodies urged the public to seek alternatives to rice, sugar, milk, salt, wheat flour, cooking oil, bread and chicken.

MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said the campaign was not merely about boycotting errant traders but to force the Government to tackle the problem of price increases.

Cuepacs president Omar Osman said consumers must show that the power was in their hands.

"If everyone worked together to support the boycott, prices will be reduced drastically. If they just go with the flow, things will never change," he said.

Congestion fee for KL proposed

Sunday September 23, 2007

STOCKHOLM: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is proposing to introduce a congestion fee on motorists.

Mayor Datuk Abdul Hakim Borhan said discussions on the matter would be held before the end of the year and a paper submitted to the Special Cabinet Committee on Public Transportation chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak early next year.

“The public may object to the proposal initially, but they will accept it after they realise the system will improve traffic conditions in the city,” he told reporters after visiting the Stockholm Traffic Control Centre yesterday.

Earlier, Stockholm traffic manager Henrik Sundquist briefed him on how the congestion fee was implemented in the city.

“There were protests when the system was first implemented in Stockholm but after a six-month trial run, it yielded results. There is no more objection,'' said Abdul Hakim.

He said the way the system was implemented in Stockholm was simple, where vehicles on certain streets would have their registration numbers recorded and the drivers would then have to go to a bank or 7-11 outlet to pay the fee.

He said Stockholm drivers were given two weeks to pay the fee.

Factories fear gas price hike

Sunday September 23, 2007

By MANJIT KAUR

KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium-scale manufacturers fear that they may not be globally competitive if the Government decides to increase the price of gas for industrial use, an industry source said.

For industries to continue to manufacture, create employment, and, in short, survive, the source said more gas should be given to the sector and any price increase should be applied to all players.

For instance, he said, manufacturers now pay RM12.87 per MBTU (million British thermal unit) but Petronas sells subsidised gas to Tenaga Nasional Bhd and independent power producers (IPPs) at just RM6.40 per MBTU.

Yet, the power generation sector consumes 60% of total gas production in Peninsular Malaysia, while manufacturers consume a mere 12%, while the rest was exported.

“We, the small consumers, are paying double compared to the power sector, although they have a bigger piece of the cake,” he said.

He said overall (including Sabah and Sarawak), Petronas produces 60 billion cubic metres of natural gas in the country, accounting for 2.1% of worldwide production.

He asked why it was not possible to reduce the export of gas produced in Peninsular Malaysia, which could then be channelled to the non-power sector.

“I am afraid that we may have to pay RM15 per MBTU if there is a price increase. If there is one, then it should involve the power sector,” he said in an interview, near here, yesterday.

In addition, he said, since December 2005, Gas Malaysia Sdn Bhd had stopped signing new supply agreements due to curtailments by Petronas. This prevents manufacturers from buying gas if they wish to expand or relocate their businesses.

It was reported in StarBiz on Sept 19 that a hike in gas price is imminent, and although the quantum is in question, it is speculated that there will be a 15% increase in the price of gas for industrial use.

Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik said that a Cabinet committee chaired by the Prime Minister would decide tomorrow the next gas policy and gas prices for TNB and IPPs.

When contacted, FMM Malaysian Ceramic Industry Group, under the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, said it felt that the burden of future increases in gas prices should be shared by all consumers of natural gas.

Its chairman Raja Datuk Abdul Aziz said “favouritism” was practised when it came to TNB and IPPs.

“It is time to be fair, and it is time for the big players to pay more too,” he added.

30 sen postage for Raya cards

Friday September 21, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: Pos Malaysia Bhd (PMB) is offering a promotional postage rate of 30 sen for all sizes of Hari Raya cards not exceeding 2kg for all destinations within the country.

PMB PosMel’s chief operating officer Mohd Zarif Hashim said previously, the postage for Raya cards ranged from 30 sen to 50 sen each depending on the size, weight and place of destination.

“If the response is positive, we hope to extend the promotion to other festive seasons in future, including for Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year,” he added.

He said the cards should be mailed before Oct 6 so as to reach their recipients before Hari Raya. – Bernama

Price rise upsets consumers

The Star 17 September 2007

MALACCA: Consumers are fuming over the price increase of flour by 30 sen a kilo, accusing the traders of taking advantage of the festive season to up prices.

Traders, however, say that suppliers have raised the price and traders have no choice but to follow suit.

Traders in Melaka Central market said that suppliers had informed them that the price of packed flour would increase from today.

“Before, a kilogram of flour was sold at RM1.80 but now it is RM2.10 or we can not make any profit,” trader Quek Boh Jee said.

Nordin Mamut, 50, from Lorong Pandan said traders were taking advantage of the festive month and hoped the Government would step in to investigate or take action against the guilty parties.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Department Malacca Deputy Chief Enforcement Officer Abdul Halim Abdul Karim said there was no increase in flour prices.

“We control the price of the 25kg pure grade flour at RM1.35 per kilo. For small packs, we only control the supply and distribution,” he said.

He explained that during every festive period there were unscrupulous traders who raise prices because of the demand.

He urged consumers to call his department at 06-2881422 so that the matter could be investigated

Perlis women can marry without wali’s consent

The Star 17 September 2007

KANGAR: Women in Perlis who have been denied consent by their wali without a valid reason, can still be married following the implementation of the amended Administration of Muslim Family Law Enactment.

A wali is a person such as a father, grandfather, brother or uncle who can give away a bride for marriage.

State Islamic Affairs Committee Chairman Datuk Abu Bakar Ismail said the enactment was passed in the state assembly on Tuesday.

With the amendment, a syariah judge is empowered to decide on cases where the wali of the would-be bride has refused to give consent to the marriage without a valid reason.

Abu Bakar said that under the amendment the judge can summon the wali of the bride to initiate investigations.

If the wali fails to turn up on two occasions, the judge is empowered to approve the marriage.

“Islam encourages Muslims to marry and start families and, as such, the wali cannot stop a marriage without a valid reason as it could adversely affect a couple,” he added.

“Those who cannot marry because of objection from the wali will come under stress and this can lead to vice and adultery.” – Bernama

Bus companies made liable

The STAR 17 september 2007

By ROYCE CHEAH

PETALING JAYA: The poor track record of express buses has resulted in a major insurance company refusing to assume full liability for passenger deaths and property damage arising from accidents.

The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board, in an immediate reaction, said the move was unfair to bus companies.

Kurnia Insurans (M) Bhd has decided to make bus firms partly liable for passenger deaths or injuries, and property damage if their drivers fail to comply with an additional set of conditions which mostly concern road safety.

The company, which insures the bulk of express buses on the road, will require bus companies to pay up to RM5,000 for death or injuries, and RM10,000 for property damage claims if those conditions are not fulfilled.

Among the conditions are:

> Full compliance with permit provisions,

> Having Puspakom roadworthiness certificates,

> That drivers are not drug addicts and alcoholics,

> That drivers have valid licences and are free of traffic warrants, and

> That drivers are physically and mentally fit.

Kurnia Insurans chief executive office Kong Shu Yin said the conditions applied to express buses only.

“It is due to the very poor safety record of express buses lately,” he said.

Kong said passengers would not suffer from the system because Kurnia would pay their claims first and then recover the bus company’s portion of the liability from them later.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali said bus companies were now being held to ransom by such a requirement.

“It is a requirement by law to buy insurance, so now they (insurance companies) are taking advantage of that.

“It now becomes nonsensical to buy insurance. At the same time, we cannot pass the extra cost to the consumer because our fares are controlled,” he said.

As insurance coverage is mandatory, buses would have to be grounded if bus companies are unable to get coverage.

CVLB chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said the move was unfair because it imposed unnecessary conditions on bus companies.

“Right now, the industry is actually moving from bad to a better situation. It is not going from bad to worse. This is the wrong time to do this,” he said.

He said enforcement had weeded out most of the unscrupulous drivers and bus companies were very aware that they had to improve safety conditions.

He added that the insurance companies ought to be thanking the Government for reducing their exposure to risk instead of squeezing the bus companies further.

Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh said the move would cause hardship to the bus companies.

“It should not be the stick alone. The carrot and stick method should be used. They should be working with the Government and industry to reduce their risk,” he said.